Ingestão de caústico

Question 1

What is the most immediate risk to life in cases of caustic ingestion?

Answer 1

a person’s most immediate risk to life is loss of the airway - inability to control oral secretions or a change in voice, indicating impending airway compromise

Question 2

After a caustic ingestion, when should endoscopy be performed, if indicated?

Answer 2

Endoscopy should be performed in the first 24 to 48 hours after ingestion

Question 3

Should one attempt to empty the stomach of a person who has ingested a caustic substance?

Answer 3

Não! The standard toxicologic principles of gastrointestinal decontamination do not apply to patients with caustic ingestions, since clinical attempts to empty the stomach can potentially increase injury

Question 4

Deve ser ingerida alguma coisa?

Answer 4

A single exception would be the use of water immediately after ingestion (usually at home) to irrigate adherent materials in the oropharynx or esophagus if the patient can swallow, speak clearly, and breathe without difficulty. Early irrigation is likely to be most useful for ingestion of powdered caustics, which can prolong injury by adhering to tissues.