A Case of Chemical Pneumonitis Induced by Teflon Inhalation.
- Author:
Ji Yeon LEE
1
;
Min Jung KIM
;
Jin Yong YOO
;
Byung Kyu AHN
;
Hun Gyu HWANG
;
Gune Il LIM
;
Han Hyeok IM
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Gumi, Korea. hwangpark@hanmail.net
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Teflon;
Chemical pneumonitis
- MeSH:
Adult;
Anoxia;
Blood Gas Analysis;
Blood Pressure;
Carbon Dioxide;
Cough;
Dyspnea;
Emergencies;
Humans;
Inhalation;
Korea;
Lung;
Oxygen;
Pneumonia;
Polytetrafluoroethylene;
Respiratory Insufficiency;
Smoke;
Smoking;
Thorax;
Tobacco
- From:Korean Journal of Medicine
2011;80(Suppl 2):S194-S198
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Chemical pneumonitis is defined as lung irritation caused by inhalation of substances toxic to the lungs. Acute chemical pneumonitis causes swelling of the lung tissue, movement of fluid into the air spaces in the lung, and a decreased ability to absorb oxygen and eliminate carbon dioxide. Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene) is a commonly used synthetic fiber or insulator. To our knowledge, chemical pneumonitis and acute respiratory failure induced by Teflon inhalation has not been previously reported in Korea. We experienced a 44-year-old patient who had a cough and dyspnea that were aggravated 10 h after smoking tobacco wet by Teflon for 5 min at his workplace. Upon arrival at the emergency room, his blood pressure was low and his arterial blood gas analysis revealed hypoxemia. A chest radiograph showed diffuse haziness on both mid- to-lower lung fields. Following treatment by conservative therapy, including oxygen supply and steroid use, his condition was relatively good and his chest radiograph normalized.
