corrosive esophageal burn

Corrosive injury of the esophagus, also known as corrosive esophagitis, is commonly seen in clinical practice and refers to esophageal injury and inflammation caused by swallowing corrosive agents. It can occur in both children and adults. The corrosive agents are generally strong acids or strong bases; the latter are often household cleaners such as sodium hydroxide and chlorine-containing bleaches. The reasons for swallowing corrosive agents in children are mostly accidental ingestion, usually in those over 5 years of age, while in adults it is often an attempted suicide. After swallowing liquid corrosive agents, they pass through the esophagus quickly, and the main injury is often to the lower esophagus and stomach, whereas solid corrosive agents often cause burns to the oral cavity, pharynx, and upper esophagus. Esophageal injury caused by strong acids and strong bases is generally severe and can lead to esophageal mucosal erosion, necrosis, perforation, mediastinitis, toxic shock, and even death.