Uvular and Lip Oedema after Detergent Bar Ingestion in an Adult: An Airway Risk and Diagnostic Dilemma in the Emergency Department

Accidental ingestion of household detergents in adults is uncommon but may pose a significant airway risk. Here, we report an older adult with Alzheimer’s disease who developed isolated uvular and lip oedema after detergent bar ingestion. Flexible nasal endoscopy confirmed limited oropharyngeal involvement without laryngeal extension. This case report highlights the diagnostic dilemma between caustic mucosal injury and hypersensitivity-mediated angioedema, as well as the importance of structured airway assessment to guide selective investigation, observation, and safe discharge. To our knowledge, isolated uvular involvement confirmed by endoscopy in adults has rarely been reported. This case report emphasizes pragmatic, airway-first decision-making in a vulnerable patient group.