H. Turk
Klinični oddelek za gastroenterologijo, hepatologijo in nutricionistiko, Pediatrična klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana

R. Orel
Klinični oddelek za gastroenterologijo,hepatologijo in nutricionistiko, Pediatrična klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana in Katedra za pediatrijo, Medicinska fakulteta, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Abstract

Most caustic oesophageal injuries are a consequence of accidental ingestion of caustic substances by children. Caustic substances are readily accessible as many are in everyday household use. Among the most frequently ingested substances are liquid alkalis, which cause deeper injuries to the oesophageal mucosa than acids. Caustic ingestion produces vomiting, drooling, oral burns, dysphagia etc. and can cause oesophagitis, necrosis, perforation of the oesophagus or stomach and/or oesophageal strictures. If there is a high suspicion of oesophageal injury following ingestion of a caustic substance, urgent endoscopy is indicated. With proper storage and use of caustic substances, the number of caustic oesophageal injuries can be markedly decreased.

Key words: oesophageal injuries, caustics, complications, children.