These are burns developing in the gullet after acid or alkaline chemicals are swallowed, whether deliberately or by mistake. These burns generally constitute an emergency and call for treatment in hospital.
Spirits of salt (hydrochloric acid), bleach and organic solvents are the chemicals most often met with. They cause burns and sores of varying degrees inside the oesophagus (the gullet).
Watch batteries swallowed by children without their knowing can also cause alkaline burns, and must be removed at once.
Sources
- Prof. Ali Tüzün İnce, MD — Kadıköy Endoscopy Center archive