Ingestion of sulfuric (battery) acid

The intentional ingestion of caustic acidic or alkaline substances in adults is most commonly related to prior psychological history and suicidal ideation. Caustic ingestions are a medical emergency and are usually more life-threatening in adults than accidental ingestions in children. The degree of injury is determined by the physical state of the substance, its concentration, the amount ingested, and the duration of exposure to gastric mucosa. This case report describes the evaluation and management of a 36-year-old man with an intentional ingestion of sulfuric (battery) acid.