PLAY PODCASTS
Alkali Exposure

Alkali Exposure

EMplify by EB Medicine

January 25, 202520m 31s

Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (media.blubrry.com) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.

Show Notes

In this episode, Sam Ashoo, MD and T.R. Eckler, MD discuss the January 2025 Emergency Medicine Practice article, Alkali Exposure: An Evidence-Based Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment


  • Patient Demographics and Case Scenarios:
  • Types of patients prone to alkali exposure
  • Causes and scenarios leading to alkali exposure (e.g., accidental, intentional, social media challenges)
  •  Poison control reports and statistics
  • Types and Effects of Exposure: 
  • Different types of exposure: ingestion, ocular, dermal
  • Effects of ingestion, particularly in children and young adults
  • Pre-hospital Care and First Response:
  • Importance of decontamination
  • Safety measures for EMS personnel
  • Steps to take in pre-hospital care
  • History and Physical Examination: 
  • Key points to focus on during history taking
  • Important signs and symptoms to check
  • Laboratory and Diagnostic Testing: 
  • Overview of useful lab tests and imaging
  • Role of EKG and chest x-ray
  • Importance of early consultation with poison control
  • Endoscopy and CT Imaging: 
  • Use of endoscopy to classify injuries and guide treatment
  •  Role of CT imaging
  •  Complementary use of endoscopy and CT
  • Treatment Approaches:
  • Initial resuscitation and airway management
  • Use of steroids and other medications like antibiotics, H2 antagonists, and topical mitomycin C
  • When and how to use NG tubes
  • Special Populations and Long-term Considerations: 
  • Special considerations for children
  • Risks associated with laundry detergent pods
  • Long-term complications, including strictures and increased risk of esophageal cancer
  • Conclusion: 
  • Summary of major points discussed
  • Reminder for continued vigilance and the importance of early consultation


Emergency Medicine Residents, get your free subscription by writing [email protected]