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Management

Authoring team

Caustic ingestion should always be thoroughly investigated.

Management features include:

  • supportive measures such as intravenous fluids and oxygen or ventilation if there are any features of compromise
  • chest radiology to assess any aspiration
  • oesophagoscopy is indicated urgently - in the first 24 hours after ingestion
  • if the oesophagoscopy confirms that it is safe to do so a nasogastric tube can be passed

If the damage to the oesophagus is severe oesophagectomy may be indicated, with gastrostomy or jejunostomy formation.

Pneumonitis or mediastinitis should be treated with intravenous antibiotics.

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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