Role of Steroids in Paint Thinner Induced Chemical Pneumonitis

Abstract Paint thinners are organic hydrocarbons that contain a mixture of chemicals such as acetone, toluene, and xylene. Thinner poisoning is most common in children due to accidental ingestion. Acute poisoning can lead to various systemic manifestations such as chemical pneumonitis, arrhythmia, d...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of Association of Pulmonologist of Tamil Nadu Vol. 7; no. 3; pp. 120 - 122
Main Authors Indhu, S, Kalaimani, S, Harish, Sabarigrivasan, Ramalingam, Gogulakrishnan
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 01.09.2024
Subjects
aspiration
chemical pneumonitis
hydrocarbons
steroid treatment
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:Abstract Paint thinners are organic hydrocarbons that contain a mixture of chemicals such as acetone, toluene, and xylene. Thinner poisoning is most common in children due to accidental ingestion. Acute poisoning can lead to various systemic manifestations such as chemical pneumonitis, arrhythmia, dermatitis, and metabolic acidosis. Chronic toxicity leads to encephalopathy and weakness. Usually, management of chemical pneumonitis following hydrocarbon aspiration is symptomatic and the role of steroids is controversial. We report the case of a 47-year-old female who presented with ingestion of paint thinner with suicidal intention and developed chemical pneumonitis. She was initially managed symptomatically but due to persistent symptoms, was started on intravenous steroids and antibiotic. The patient showed symptomatic and radiological resolution.
ISSN:2772-6355
2772-6363
DOI:10.4103/japt.japt_10_24