title: Pill-induced esophageal injury.
abstract: Delay in esophageal transit of caustic medicinal pills may precipitate esophageal ulceration. The injury is usually mild, producing only self-limited pain. More serious injury may result in esophageal hemorrhage, perforation, or stricture. Injury is more likely if pills are taken without water or while lying down. Patients with esophageal compression from left atrial enlargement are at increased risk, especially if they have had cardiac surgery.
authors.affiliation: Gastroenterology Service, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC.
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Kikendall
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D002214:Capsules; D002424:Caustics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D004939:Esophageal Perforation / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D004947:Esophagus / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013607:Tablets
chemical_list: D002214:Capsules; D002424:Caustics; D013607:Tablets