[Late-onset upper airway obstruction caused by alkali inhalation injury: a case report]

SummaryAlkalis can produce severe tissue injury through liquefaction. Since the liquefaction loosens tissue planes and allows deeper penetration of the agent, alkali burns tend to be more severe than acid burns. Alkaline substances ingestion and inhalation frequently causes damage to the upper respiratory and digestive tract. Initial presentation of airway alkali burn includes oropharyngeal pain, dysphagia, hoarseness and stridor. Patients with a clear history of caustic ingestion or inhalation could always receive proper management. In this paper, a middle aged female presented with acute upper airway obstruction was introduced. The cause of the airway compromise was finally determined to be alkali inhalation 3 weeks ago. By reviewing this special case, the clinical features and management of airway alkali burn was summarized.