Chemical pneumonitis (patient information): Difference between revisions
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Acute: | Acute: | ||
*Air hunger (feeling that you cannot get enough air) | *Air hunger (feeling that you cannot get enough air). | ||
*Cough | *Cough. | ||
*Difficulty breathing | *Difficulty breathing. | ||
*Possibly wet or gurgle sounding breathing (abnormal lung sounds) | *Possibly wet or gurgle sounding breathing (abnormal lung sounds). | ||
*Unusual sensation (possibly burning feeling) in the chest | *Unusual sensation (possibly burning feeling) in the chest. | ||
Chronic: | Chronic: | ||
*Cough may or may not occur | *Cough may or may not occur. | ||
*Progressive disability (related to shortness of breath) | *Progressive disability (related to shortness of breath). | ||
*Rapid breathing (tachypnea) | *Rapid breathing (tachypnea). | ||
*Shortness of breath with only mild exercise | *Shortness of breath with only mild exercise. | ||
==What causes Chemical pneumonitis?== | ==What causes Chemical pneumonitis?== | ||
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Some of the most common dangerous, inhaled substances include: | Some of the most common dangerous, inhaled substances include: | ||
*Chlorine gas (during use of cleaning materials such as chlorine bleach, in industrial accidents, or near swimming pools) | *Chlorine gas (during use of cleaning materials such as chlorine bleach, in industrial accidents, or near swimming pools). | ||
*Grain and fertilizer dust | *Grain and fertilizer dust. | ||
*Noxious fumes from pesticides | *Noxious fumes from pesticides. | ||
*Smoke (from house fires and wildfires) | *Smoke (from house fires and wildfires). | ||
Chronic chemical pneumonitis can occur after only low levels of exposure to the irritant over extended periods of time. This causes inflammation and may lead to stiffness of the lungs, which decreases the ability of the lungs to get oxygen to the body. Unchecked, this condition may ultimately lead to respiratory failure and death. | Chronic chemical pneumonitis can occur after only low levels of exposure to the irritant over extended periods of time. This causes inflammation and may lead to stiffness of the lungs, which decreases the ability of the lungs to get oxygen to the body. Unchecked, this condition may ultimately lead to respiratory failure and death. | ||
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The following tests help determine how severely the lungs are affected: | The following tests help determine how severely the lungs are affected: | ||
*Blood gas | *Blood gas. | ||
*CT scan of chest | *CT scan of chest. | ||
*Lung function studies | *Lung function studies. | ||
*X-ray of the chest | *X-ray of the chest. | ||
*Swallowing studies | *Swallowing studies. | ||
==Treatment options== | ==Treatment options== | ||
Treatment is focused on reversing the cause of inflammation and reducing symptoms. Corticosteroids may be given to reduce inflammation. | Treatment is focused on reversing the cause of inflammation and reducing symptoms. Corticosteroids may be given to reduce inflammation. | ||
Antibiotics are usually not helpful or needed. Oxygen therapy may be helpful. | Antibiotics are usually not helpful or needed. Oxygen therapy may be helpful. | ||
In cases of swallowing and stomach problems, eating small meals in the upright position can help. | In cases of swallowing and stomach problems, eating small meals in the upright position can help. | ||
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==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000143.htm | |||
[[Category:Toxicology patient information]] | [[Category:Toxicology patient information]] | ||
Revision as of 15:46, 11 August 2011
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Chemical pneumonitis |
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Chemical pneumonitis On the Web |
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pneumonitis=Chemical+pneumonitis Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov |
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Chemical pneumonitis is inflammation of the lungs or breathing difficulty due to inhaling chemical fumes or breathing in and choking on certain chemicals.
What are the symptoms of Chemical pneumonitis?
Acute:
- Air hunger (feeling that you cannot get enough air).
- Cough.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Possibly wet or gurgle sounding breathing (abnormal lung sounds).
- Unusual sensation (possibly burning feeling) in the chest.
Chronic:
- Cough may or may not occur.
- Progressive disability (related to shortness of breath).
- Rapid breathing (tachypnea).
- Shortness of breath with only mild exercise.
What causes Chemical pneumonitis?
Many household and industrial chemicals are capable of producing both an acute and a chronic form of inflammation in the lungs. Some of the most common dangerous, inhaled substances include:
- Chlorine gas (during use of cleaning materials such as chlorine bleach, in industrial accidents, or near swimming pools).
- Grain and fertilizer dust.
- Noxious fumes from pesticides.
- Smoke (from house fires and wildfires).
Chronic chemical pneumonitis can occur after only low levels of exposure to the irritant over extended periods of time. This causes inflammation and may lead to stiffness of the lungs, which decreases the ability of the lungs to get oxygen to the body. Unchecked, this condition may ultimately lead to respiratory failure and death. Chronic aspiration of acid from the stomach can also lead to chemical pneumonitis.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your health care provider if you have trouble breathing after inhaling (or possibly inhaling) any substance.
Diagnosis
The following tests help determine how severely the lungs are affected:
- Blood gas.
- CT scan of chest.
- Lung function studies.
- X-ray of the chest.
- Swallowing studies.
Treatment options
Treatment is focused on reversing the cause of inflammation and reducing symptoms. Corticosteroids may be given to reduce inflammation. Antibiotics are usually not helpful or needed. Oxygen therapy may be helpful. In cases of swallowing and stomach problems, eating small meals in the upright position can help.
Where to find medical care for Chemical pneumonitis?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Chemical pneumonitis
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
The outcome depends on the chemical agent involved, the severity of exposure, and whether the problem is acute or chronic.
Possible complications
Respiratory failure and death can occur.
Prevention
Household chemicals should be used only as directed and always in well-ventilated areas. Never mix ammonia and bleach together. Work rules regarding breathing masks should be followed and the appropriate breathing mask should be worn. People who work near fire should take care to limit exposure to smoke or gases. Be careful about giving mineral oil to anyone who might choke on it (children or the elderly). Don't siphon gas or kerosene.