Chemical pneumonitis

Definition

Chemical pneumonitis is inflammation of the lungs or breathing difficulty due to inhaling chemical fumes or breathing in and choking on certain chemicals.

Alternative Names

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

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.

Symptoms

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

Signs and tests

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

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.

Support Groups

Expectations (prognosis)

The outcome depends on the chemical agent involved, the severity of exposure, and whether the problem is acute or chronic.

Complications

Respiratory failure and death can occur.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have trouble breathing after inhaling (or possibly inhaling) any substance.

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.

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References

Christiani DC. Physical and chemical injuries of the lungs. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 94.