Toxicity of alkaline solutions

Ann Emerg Med. 1980 Mar;9(3):118-22. doi: 10.1016/s0196-0644(80)80264-2.

Abstract

We examined the question of what determines the toxicity of alkaline solutions--pH, viscosity, or other factors. Our experiments have identified pH measurement as the simplest and most easily measured parameter for determining initial management of caustic ingestions. Viscosity is not a clinically useful measurement. The closer to 14 the pH measures, the more destructive the caustic. Non-lye solutions known to cause esophageal ulceration have a pH of 12.5 to 13.5. Most cases of deep ulceration going on to stricture formation involve lye solutions of pH 14. The critical pH that causes esophageal ulceration is 12.5, and thus a patient ingesting a substance with a pH greater than 12 should be followed closely for the possibility of esophageal ulceration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alkalies / toxicity*
  • Ammonia / toxicity
  • Animals
  • Cats
  • Esophageal Stenosis / chemically induced*
  • Esophagitis / chemically induced
  • Esophagus / drug effects*
  • Household Products / toxicity
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Sodium Hydroxide / toxicity
  • Ulcer / chemically induced
  • Viscosity

Substances

  • Alkalies
  • Sodium Hydroxide
  • Ammonia