Caustic Poisoning

Caustic poisoning occurs when a highly acidic or highly alkaline chemical substance —found in some cleaning products— is swallowed or comes into contact with the body and can damage the tissues of the mouth, esophagus, and stomach.

How it shows up: It can cause pain or burning in the mouth and throat, difficulty or pain when swallowing, heavy drooling, vomiting, or pain in the chest or abdomen.

When to see a doctor? This is an emergency: if you suspect contact or ingestion, seek immediate care without inducing vomiting.

Which specialist treats it? The emergency physician handles the initial phase, and the gastroenterologist, the internist, or the pediatrician take part depending on the person affected. Because of its potential severity, the priority is to go to an emergency department right away.