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Chemical pneumonitis - Treatment

Treatment:

Treatment is focused on reducing symptoms. Oxygen therapy may be helpful. Corticosteroids may be given to reduce inflammation. Antibiotics are usually not helpful or needed.

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.

Lungs

Respiratory system

Reviewed last on: 8/29/2008
Sean O. Stitham, MD, private practice in Internal Medicine, Seattle, WA; Benjamin Medoff, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Pulmonary and Critical Care Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Mofenson HC, Caraccio TR, McGuigan M, Greensher J. Medical toxicology: ingestions, inhalations, and dermal and ocular absorptions. In: Rakel RE, Bope ET, eds. Conn's Current Therapy 2008. 60th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008: chap 291.

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