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For further information, see CMDT Part 40-16: Acids, Corrosive Poisoning

KEY FEATURES

  • Strong mineral acids exert primarily a local corrosive effect on the skin and mucous membranes

CLINICAL FINDINGS

  • Severe pain in the throat and upper gastrointestinal tract

  • Bloody vomitus

  • Difficulty in swallowing, breathing, and speaking

  • Discoloration and destruction of skin and mucous membranes in and around the mouth

  • Shock

  • Severe irritation of the throat and larynx may cause upper airway obstruction and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema due to inhalation of

    • Volatile acids

    • Fumes

    • Gases, such as

      • Chlorine

      • Fluorine

      • Bromine

      • Iodine

  • Severe systemic metabolic acidosis may occur as a result of cellular injury and systemic absorption of the acid

  • After exposure to hydrofluoric acid

    • Severe deep destructive tissue damage may occur because of the penetrating and highly toxic fluoride ion

    • Systemic hypocalcemia and hyperkalemia may also occur, even following skin exposure

DIAGNOSIS

  • If acid has been ingested,

    • Perform flexible endoscopic esophagoscopy in symptomatic patients to determine the presence and extent of injury

    • CT scan or plain radiographs of the chest and abdomen may also reveal the extent of injury caused by ingestion

TREATMENT

  • Ingestion

    • Dilute immediately by giving 4–8 oz of water to drink

    • Do not give bicarbonate or other neutralizing agents

    • Do not induce vomiting

    • If the corrosive is a liquid or has important systemic toxicity, some experts recommend immediate cautious placement of a small flexible gastric tube and removal of stomach contents followed by lavage

    • Perforation, peritonitis, and major bleeding are indications for surgery

    • Use of corticosteroids may be indicated for the prevention of stricture formation in select patient populations but is controversial

  • Skin contact

    • Flood with water for 15 minutes

    • Use no chemical antidotes; the heat of the reaction may cause additional injury

    • For hydrofluoric acid burns, apply 2.5% calcium gluconate gel

    • Binding of the fluoride ion may be achieved by injecting 0.5 mL of 5% calcium gluconate per square centimeter under the burned area

    • Caution: Do not use calcium chloride

    • Use of a Bier-block technique or intra-arterial infusion of calcium is sometimes required for extensive burns or those involving the nail bed

    • Consult with a hand surgeon or poison control center (1-800-222-1222)

  • Eye contact

    • Anesthetize the conjunctiva and corneal surfaces with topical local anesthetic drops (eg, proparacaine)

    • Flood with water for 15 minutes, holding the eyelids open

    • Check pH with pH 6.0–8.0 test paper, and repeat irrigation, using 0.9% saline, until pH is near 7.0

    • Check for corneal damage with fluorescein and slit lamp examination

    • Consult an ophthalmologist about further treatment

  • Inhalation

    • Remove from further exposure to fumes or gas

    • Check skin and clothing

    • Observe for and treat chemical pneumonitis or pulmonary edema

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