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| Definition: |
A condition caused by ingesting or inhaling household products that contain hydrocarbons (chemicals with hydrogen and cabon) and resulting in inflammatory changes in the lungs.
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| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: |
| Ingestion or inhaling of materials such as gasoline, kerosene, furniture polish, paint thinner, or other oily or solvent-like materials produces fairly rapid changes in the lungs consisting of inflammation, edema, and bleeding. Other symptoms can also occur, as described later. |
| Treatment: |
Mild cases may be evaluated in the emergency room and then treated at home, with instructions to call if there are changes in the patient's status.
People with moderate and severe cases are normally admitted to the hospital, occasionally to intensive care. Hospital treatment may include:
- nasogastric aspiration (pumping the stomach) if the ingested material is particularly toxic -- a tube is placed through the mouth or nose into the stomach and connected to suction to empty the stomach contents
- oxygen
- ventilatory support when indicated -- a breathing tube (endotracheal tube) may be placed and a mechanical ventilator may be needed to assist the breathing
- activated charcoal and a cathartic (laxative-type medication) when indicated, depending on the type of substance ingested
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| Expectations (prognosis): |
| Most children who ingest or inhale hydrocarbon substances and develop chemical pneumonitis recover fully following treatment. Highly toxic hydrocarbons may lead to rapid respiratory failure and death. |
| Calling your health care provider: |
| If you know or suspect that your child has swallowed or inhaled a hydrocarbon product, take them to the emergency room immediately. DO NOT use ipecac to induce vomiting! |
| Prevention: |
| Emphasis on safety has reduced the incidence of hydrocarbon pneumonia. If you have young children, be sure to identify and store materials containing hydrocarbons carefully. |
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Review Date: 11/30/2001
Reviewed By: Boaz Rosenblat, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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