Life-threatening chemical burns and airway swelling after drinking drain cleaner

Poisoning with domestic chemicals is rare in adults and usually occurs with suicidal intent. The substances contained in drain cleaners form highly corrosive alkalis on contact with water, and the reaction also generates great amounts of heat. After ingestion of relatively small amounts of drain cleaner in the present case, pronounced caustic injuries of the gastrointestinal tract occurred, which was followed by the development of life-threatening respiratory swelling and aspiration. Therefore, it is essential-in addition to decontamination and stabilization of the patient's circulation-to quickly secure the airway. Patients must be presented as soon as possible to a hospital with 24 h availability of gastroscopy.