Desiccant-induced gastrointestinal burns in a child

Desiccants are commonly composed of non-toxic chemicals such as silica gel. A 2-y-old male unintentionally ingested the contents of a desiccant packet found in a container of imported Chinese cookies. He presented with vomiting, drooling and inability to drink. A caustic injury to his tongue and pharynx was noted. He improved over the next 12 h and was discharged a day later. The packet was found to contain caustic lime Although patients who ingest desiccant packets generally develop no clinical effects, ingestion of packets containing strong alkali may prove consequential. Providers should be aware of the potential for this toxicity before dismissing desiccant exposures as benign.