Caustic ingestion.

Corrosive burns of the oesophagus remain a serious health hazard in children. The highest risk group for accidental ingestion are children less than 5 years old with the peak around 24 months.' Despite parental awareness and legisla- tive changes in the permissible concentration of household cleaners, an estimated 5000 accidental ingestions of caustic agents per year are reported in the United States.2 In rural areas, particularly in developing countries with active home industries, industrial strength lye, battery acid, and similar products continue to be available in containers which are not childproof. A major advance in the management of corrosive burns is the safety with which early, flexible fibreoptic endoscopy can be carried out for diagnostic purposes.' 3Controversy still surrounds steroid' and antibiotic4 use.