Caustic Ingestion (Acid or Alkali Poisoning)
Causes, Symptoms & Advanced Surgical Management
Emergency Gastrointestinal Care in Thane – By Dr. Ankur Bhanushali
What Is Caustic Ingestion?
Caustic ingestion refers to swallowing corrosive substances such as acids or alkalis, which can cause severe burns to the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
This condition is a medical and surgical emergency requiring immediate expert care.
Common Caustic Substances
✔ Toilet cleaners
✔ Drain cleaners
✔ Phenyl and bleach
✔ Battery acid
✔ Industrial chemicals
✔ Strong alkalis (lye, ammonia)
Who Is Most at Risk?
✔ Children (accidental ingestion)
✔ Adults with suicidal intent
✔ Industrial workers
✔ Improper storage at home
Symptoms of Caustic Ingestion
✔ Severe throat and chest pain
✔ Difficulty swallowing
✔ Excessive salivation
✔ Vomiting (may contain blood)
✔ Abdominal pain
✔ Hoarseness or breathing difficulty
Danger Signs (Immediate Emergency)
✔ Severe chest pain
✔ Breathing difficulty
✔ Persistent vomiting
✔ Fever
✔ Black or bloody stools
Never induce vomiting or give water/milk without medical advice.
Potential Complications
✔ Esophageal strictures
✔ Gastric outlet obstruction
✔ Perforation of food pipe or stomach
✔ Severe infection (mediastinitis, peritonitis)
✔ Long-term swallowing difficulty
Diagnosis
✔ Emergency clinical assessment
✔ CT scan chest & abdomen
✔ Upper GI endoscopy (within 24–48 hours)
✔ Blood investigations
Treatment Approach
Immediate Emergency Care
✔ Airway protection
✔ IV fluids and pain control
✔ Proton pump inhibitors
✔ Antibiotics when required
Endoscopic Evaluation
✔ Determines severity of burn
✔ Guides further management
✔ Helps prevent complications
Surgical Management
✔ Required in perforation or severe damage
✔ Removal of damaged bowel segments
✔ Feeding jejunostomy if needed
✔ Reconstructive surgery in chronic strictures
Long-Term Management
✔ Repeated dilatation for strictures
✔ Nutritional support
✔ Psychological counseling
✔ Reconstructive GI surgery if required
Recovery & Follow-Up
✔ Gradual diet progression
✔ Regular endoscopy
✔ Monitoring for late complications
✔ Lifelong follow-up in severe cases
Prevention Tips
✔ Store chemicals safely
✔ Child-proof containers
✔ Proper labeling
✔ Mental health support and counseling
Advanced Care for Caustic Ingestion in Thane
✔ 24×7 emergency services
✔ Advanced endoscopy
✔ Laparoscopic & open surgery
✔ ICU & nutritional support
Why Choose Dr. Ankur Bhanushali?
✔ Expertise in emergency GI surgery
✔ Minimally invasive techniques
✔ Multidisciplinary team approach
✔ Compassionate patient care
Aayush Multispeciality Hospital – Full Address
📍 1st Floor, Marigold Apartment
Almeda Road, Panch Pakhdi,
Thane West – 400602,
Maharashtra, India
📞 +91 86910 33033
🌐 https://drankurbhanushali.com
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3Msc7YZqVkV9mQMQ7
Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic – Full Address
📍 Shop No. 4, Laxmi Krupa Building
Edulji Road, Charai,
Thane West – 400602,
Maharashtra, India
📞 +91 86910 33066
🌐 https://bestsurgeoninthane.com
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XmmGNbgFyhGcqfvV6
