A hospital-based epidemiological study of corrosive alimentary injuries with particular reference to the Indian experience

Abstract

Corrosive alimentary tract injuries are a source of considerable morbidity all over the world. Despite this, actual data on the epidemiology of this problem are scarce mainly due to the lack of a well-established reporting system for poisoning in most countries. The burden of the disease is naturally more in countries such as India where the condition is common because of poor regulation of sale of corrosive substances. We analyse the available data on epidemiology of corrosive injuries, as well as patterns of involvement of the alimentary tract, with special reference to Indian data, and also provide an overview of the management options and long-term sequelae of this condition.