ABSTRACT
A1 B Caustic ingestion in children is a major health hazard with around 5000 cases per year in the United States. It most commonly occurs in children aged 1-3 years. Boys are more frequently involved than girls. In children older than 5 years, nonaccidental injury is very likely. Among adolescents, females predominate and the cause is usually intentional. Approximately 20% of caustic ingestions result in some degree of oesophageal injury.
