Chemical pneumonitis
Key points
- Chemical pneumonitis is an inflammation of the lungs (pneumonitis) or breathing difficulty caused by inhalation of noxious chemicals.
- Many household and industrial chemicals are capable of producing both an acute and a chronic form of inflammation in the lung.
- Treatment Treatment is focused on reducing symptoms.
- The outcome depends on the chemical agent involved, the severity of exposure, and whether the problem is acute or chronic.
Definition
Chemical pneumonitis is an inflammation of the lungs (pneumonitis) or breathing difficulty caused by inhalation of noxious chemicals.
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 lung. Acute chemical pneumonitis causes swelling of the lung tissue, movement of fluid into the air spaces in the lung, and less ability to absorb oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide. In severe cases, death may result from lack of oxygen reaching the tissues (hypoxia).
Chlorine gas is one of the most irritating commonly inhaled substance. Exposure to dangerous levels of chlorine gas may occur at home (during use of cleaning materials such as chlorine bleach), in industrial accidents, or near swimming pools. Inhalation of dangerous substances can occur in many different settings, including factories (especially during smelting, welding, or other metal work), the production or use of solvents or pesticides, fires (house fires, wildfires), and the handling of grain.
Chronic chemical pneumonitis can follow low levels of exposure to the lung irritant over extended periods of time. This causes inflammation and may provoke fibrosis (scarring) with decreased oxygen exchange and stiffening of the lung. Unchecked, this condition may ultimately lead to respiratory failure and death.
Symptoms
Acute:
- unusual sensation (possibly burning feeling) in the chest
- difficulty breathing
- air hunger
- cough
- possibly wet or gurgle sounding breathing (abnormal lung sounds)
Chronic:
- shortness of breath with only mild exercise
- rapid breathing (tachypnea)
- cough may or may not occur
- progressive disability (related to shortness of breath)
Signs and tests
The following tests help determine how severely the lungs are affected:
- X-ray of the chest
- blood gas
- lung function studies
Treatment
Treatment is focused on reducing symptoms. Oxygen therapy may be helpful. Corticosteroids may be given to reduce inflammation.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.