Treatment:

Mild cases may be evaluated in the emergency room, but may not require hospital admission.

People with moderate and severe cases are normally admitted to the hospital, occasionally to intensive care. Hospital treatment may include:

• Pumping the stomach -- a tube is placed through the mouth or nose into the stomach and the stomach contents are suctioned out
• Oxygen
• A breathing tube a mechanical ventilator may be needed to assist the breathing

Expectations (prognosis):

Most children who drink or inhale hydrocarbon products and develop chemical pneumonitis recover fully following treatment. Highly toxic hydrocarbons may lead to rapid respiratory failure and death.

Complications:

• Pleural effusion
• Pneumothorax
• Secondary bacterial infections

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.