A representative from Ninh Binh Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital reported this incident on 17/9. The infant patient was admitted with frothing at the mouth, fussiness, and no vomiting. Clinical examination revealed the chemical had corroded the entire oral cavity and left cheek, with significant mucus accumulation. Minutes later, the child became agitated, lips turned cyanotic, blood oxygen levels plummeted, and a harsh, creaking sound emanated from the larynx due to edema obstructing the airway, leading to a significant decrease in ventilation of both lungs.

Recognizing the life-threatening chemical burn, the on-duty team immediately performed orotracheal intubation to open the airway and urgently transferred the patient to the Intensive Care and Anti-poisoning Department.

The patient receiving emergency treatment at the hospital. Photo: Hospital provided

Doctors prescribed sedation, mechanical ventilation, antibiotics, and high-dose anti-inflammatory drugs. After six days of intensive treatment, the baby's health improved significantly, successfully weaning off the ventilator. The damaged cheek skin began to heal, pseudomembranes in the mouth shed well, and the baby resumed breastfeeding.

Although no immediate complications were noted, the hospital will continue to closely monitor the child for the next one to two weeks to manage risks of fibrotic scarring leading to airway narrowing or gastrointestinal stricture.

According to treating doctors, the mucous membranes of an infant's mouth, throat, and airways are much more delicate than those of adults. Even a small amount of chemical can destroy local tissue, causing laryngeal edema that obstructs airflow and eroding the lining of the esophagus and stomach.

Doctors advise parents never to store acids, alkalis, or cleaning solutions in bottles that previously contained drinks, food, or old medicine. All hazardous chemicals must be kept in their original manufacturer's packaging, clearly labeled with warnings, tightly capped, and locked away out of reach of small children.

If a child is found to have swallowed acid, adults should calmly follow these steps: have the victim rinse their mouth with clean water, and swallow small sips of water to dilute the toxic substance (unless organ perforation is suspected or the child is vomiting blood). Continue to keep the victim in a sitting or upright position to limit reflux; never lay them on their back. Finally, family members must urgently take the victim to the nearest medical facility, bringing the exact chemical bottle so doctors can identify the toxic substance and choose an appropriate treatment protocol.

Crucially, first responders must strictly adhere to the "three no's" principle: do not induce vomiting by irritating the throat, as refluxed acid will burn the esophagus a second time; do not apply ice, toothpaste, snake oil, or folk remedies like plant leaves to the wound; and do not use strong alkaline solutions like limewater to neutralize, as the heat-generating chemical reaction inside the body will deepen the burn.

Thuy Quynh