Hydrocarbon pneumoniaDefinition: Hydrocarbon pneumonia is caused by drinking or breathing in gasoline, kerosene, furniture polish, paint thinner, or other oily materials or solvents. These products cause fairly rapid changes in the lungs, including inflammation, swelling, and bleeding.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
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 if the ingested material is particularly toxic -- 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
- Activated charcoal and a cathartic (laxative-type medication) may be needed, depending on the type of substance ingested
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.
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.
Prevention: If you have young children, be sure to identify and store materials containing hydrocarbons carefully.
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