Hydrocarbon pneumonia
Treatment:
Mild cases may be evaluated in the emergency room and then treated at home, with instructions to call if there are changes in the patient's status.
People with moderate and severe cases are normally admitted to the hospital, occasionally to intensive care. Hospital treatment may include: - nasogastric aspiration ("pumping the stomach") if the volume of ingested material is large--a tube is placed through the mouth or nose into the stomach and connected to suction to empty the stomach contents
- oxygen
- ventilatory support when indicated--a breathing tube (endotracheal tube) may be placed and a mechanical ventilator may be needed to assist the breathing
- activated charcoal and a cathartic (laxative-type medication) when indicated, depending on the type of substance ingested
Expectations (prognosis):
Most children who ingest or inhale hydrocarbon substances and develop chemical pneumonitis recover fully following treatment. Highly toxic hydrocarbons may lead to rapid respiratory failure and death.
Complications:
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!
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