WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Chemical pneumonia is swelling and irritation of the
lungs caused by breathing in fumes from such chemicals as bug
sprays, pool cleaners, or gasoline. This kind of pneumonia
cannot be spread to other people.
Causes
Inhaling any type of irritating
fumes can result in this problem. You can also get pneumonia if
you breathe in when vomiting.
Signs/Symptoms
Common symptoms include coughing,
choking, gagging, trouble breathing, or fast breathing. You
also might have bluish fingernails, toenails, or skin; a fast
heartbeat; headache; fever or upset stomach; vomiting;
diarrhea; and convulsions. Other possible symptoms include
fatigue, dizziness, and difficulty walking.
Care
If you are not having too much
trouble breathing, you can recover at home. You may need
medicine for pain, swelling, fever, or infection. If you need
extra oxygen or medicines to help you breathe more easily, a
hospital stay may be required.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Take any medicine the doctor prescribes exactly as
directed. If you feel it is not helping, call your doctor.
Do not quit taking it on your own.
-
For pain and fever, you may take over-the-counter
medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
.
-
Use a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer to increase
air moisture. This will make it easier for you to breathe.
Do not use hot steam.
-
Rest in bed until your temperature is normal (98.6
degrees F or 37 degrees C) and your chest pain and
breathing problems are gone.
-
Drink 6 to 8 glasses of liquids (soda-can size) to
keep mucus thin and easy to cough up.
-
If you have muscle pain from coughing, put a heating
pad or warm wet cloth on the achy muscles. Do this for 10
to 20 minutes 3 to 4 times a day to lessen the
pain.
-
To keep your lungs free of infection, take deep
breaths, then cough. Do this often during the day. If your
chest hurts when you cough, hugging a pillow tightly while
you cough may reduce the pain.
-
Do not smoke until you are better. Quit smoking if
possible. It harms the heart and lungs. If you have trouble
quitting, ask your doctor for help.
-
To keep from getting this type of pneumonia
again:
-
Open a window when you use cleaning products,
especially when you are in a small
room.
-
Do not spray or use chemicals outside when it's
windy.
-
If you must work in the wind, make sure the
chemicals are blowing away from you instead of toward
you. Also wear a mask over your mouth and nose, and wear
clothing that protects your skin.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You have a high temperature.
-
Your chest pain does not get better in a few
days.
-
You get an upset stomach, start throwing up, or have
diarrhea.
-
You are coughing up bloody
sputum.
-
You have any problems that may be related to the
medicine you are taking (for example, a rash, itching,
swelling, or stomach pain).
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You have a lot of trouble breathing or have dark or
bluish fingernails, toenails, or skin.
-
You have a really bad headache, neck stiffness, or
feel confused.
-
You continue to have a fever and chills and feel
worse.
Return to top
|
Email this page
Printer friendly
Bookmark this page
