Chemical pneumonia is an inflammation of lungs caused by inhaling or aspirating chemicals. This is also called chemical pneumonitis. Usually, pneumonia is an irritation and swelling of lungs due to bacteria or virus, but some chemicals also cause lung inflammation. Chemical pneumonia is not contagious. Chemical pneumonia is of two types: chronic and acute.
While diagnosing chemical pneumonia main focus is to determine the chemical that caused the disease and accordingly treatment is given counteracting the effects of chemical generally with medications.
Causes of Chemical Pneumonia:
Following are the irritants capable of causing the chemical pneumonia condition.
- Barium used in gastrointestinal imaging
- Gases from electroplating
- Skin absorbed or ingested pesticides
- Smoke
- Petroleum distillates
- Ingested gasoline
- Vomitus
- Certain inhalants
In some cases, Mendelson’s syndrome is also a type of chemical pneumonia.
Symptoms of Chemical Pneumonia:
Following are the symptoms of chemical pneumonia.
- Acute chemical pneumonia symptoms include:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Chest tightness, burning or pain
- Cough
- Abnormal lung sound, that is, wet and gurgling sounding breaths
- Chronic chemical pneumonia symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Increased susceptibility to respiratory disorders
- Persistent cough
Chemical pneumonia symptoms may or may not be present. It takes months or years to develop the symptoms to point of notability.
Treatments of Chemical Pneumonia:
Following list of treatments are mentioned in several sources. Always take the advice of health care provider regarding the treatment.
- Oxygen
- Hospitalization
- Medications
- In mild cases, home treatments include:
- Cool-mist humidifier
- Bed rest
- Vaporizer – but not hot steam
- Smoking should be avoided
- Medications to relieve pain
- Take deep breaths intentionally and then cough
- Drink more water – to keep lung mucous thin
Prevention of Chemical Pneumonia:
People should take protective measures to prevent chemical pneumonia. In case of an exposure to potentially dangerous chemical substances, people should consult the doctor or seek help at poison control center. Avoid fumes in closed places and open windows while cleaning with chemicals. Always wear mask and also protective clothes while using chemicals.
