• Understand the epidemiology of corrosive poisoning.
• Describe the local pathological reactions that occur.
• Understand the complications of corrosive poisoning.
• Discuss the appropriate decontamination following corrosive exposure.
• Describe the general management of corrosive poisoning.
• Discuss the role of corticosteroids in the management of corrosive ingestion.

A 2-year-old boy was found by his mother in the bathroom crying. A spilt bottle of was beside him. He has visible burns to the lips and is drooling. The toilet bowl cleaner is brought with the child to hospital. It contains hydrochloric acid 8.5%.

1. What are the predictors of severity for this exposure?
2. What investigations are important and why?
3. What management is required?
4. What complications need to be considered?
5. Are corticosteroids indicated? Discuss your reasons.

A 57-year-old male presents to hospital complaining of severe eye pain and shortness of breath. Twenty minutes ago he was working in his shed. He was mixing pool chemicals when he knocked a container of water into an open jar of powdered chlorine. He immediately experienced eye pain and started coughing.

1. What decontamination is required?
2. How would you evaluate this patient?
3. What treatment is required?
4. How long would you observe him for?
   Over the next 30 minutes his breathing becomes increasingly laboured. His oxygen saturation is 89% on a non-rebreather mask. Examination of his chest reveals widespread wheezes and crackles.
5. How would you proceed with management?

A 39-year-old female attempted suicide in the family garage. She was found after being missing for an hour. An empty 1 litre bottle of household ammonia was found next to her. She was drowsy and covered in vomitus.

On arrival at hospital she is unable to give a history but is obeying commands. Her heart rate is 60/min and BP 95/50. She is complaining of a sore throat and her husband says her voice is hoarse. Her medications are citalopram and diazepam.

1. What is your initial management?
2. Is decontamination is indicated; if so, how would you proceed?
3. What investigations are required?
4. What are the indications for upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy in this patient? If required, when and how should it be performed?
5. Are there any indications for corticosteroid administration in this patient?