A Case of Chemical Pneumonitis After Ingestion of Hydrocarbon.
- Author:
Suk Hwan KIM
1
;
Yangjin JEGAL
;
Nari CHOY
;
Yangho KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine1) and Department of Internal Medicine, Korea.
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Hydrocarbon;
Ingestion;
Pneumonitis
- MeSH:
Abdomen;
Anti-Bacterial Agents;
Child;
Cough;
Drainage;
Eating;
Fever;
Humans;
Hydrocarbons;
Infant;
Lung Abscess;
Male;
Middle Aged;
Mineral Waters;
Pneumonia;
Thorax
- From:Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
2009;21(4):406-411
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Hydrocarbon is used frequently in the home in places such as the kitchen, garage, and basement. Accidental ingestion of hydrocarbons occurs generally in infants and children in the home. In cases of accidental ingestion, the amount is usually too small to cause medical problems, but can bring about diseases such as chemical pneumonitis. CASE REPORT: After ingesting organic solvent mistaken for mineral water, a 53-year-old male complained of cough, fever, and pain in the right upper abdomen, back, and right chest. Simple chest x-ray revealed focal chemical pneumonitis mainly involving the right middle lobe. The resulting lung abscess did not resolve until after treatment with drainage accompanied with antibiotics therapy. The ingested solution was analyzed and found to be a C11~C13 hydrocarbon mixture which has low viscosity. CONCLUSION: Chemical pneumonitis occurred after ingestion of hydrocarbon solution, and there is evidence of aspiratory mechanism.
