Chemical pneumonitis

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Editor(s)-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Phone:617-632-7753; Philip Marcus, M.D., M.P.H.[2]

Overview

Chemical pneumonitis is inflammation of the lung caused by irritation from aspirated vomitus or barium used in gastro-intestinal imaging, ingested gasoline or other petroleum distillates, ingested or skin absorbed pesticides, gases from electroplating, or other irritants. It is sometimes called a "chemical pneumonia", though it is not infectious. May also be caused by the use of inhalants.When the toxic substance is an oil, the pneumonia may be called lipoid pneumonia.

Historical perspective

• Mendelson's syndrome is a type of chemical pneumonia in which aspiration of gastric acid is present.
• It was first described in pregnant females who aspirated gastric content during anesthesia with development of respiratory distress, cyanosis and lung infiltrates on chest Xray.