Hydrocarbon pneumonia

Causes and Risks:
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.

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.

Symptoms:



Signs and Tests:



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 volume of ingested material is large--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



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.

Complications:



Call Your Healthcare 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 !


This is an illustration of the major features of the lungs and bronchial tree. The inset is of the alveoli. They are the microscopic blood vessel-lined sacks in which oxygen and carbon dioxide gas are exchanged.