Chemical Pneumonitis after Inhalation of Waterproofing Spray: A Case Report

Kim, Ji Won; Ra, Moni; Jo, Hyeong Ho; Kim, Hyeon Su; Kim, Myung Kyu; Kim, Kyung Chan

Abstract

Waterproofing spray is commonly used to waterproof textile, tents, boots, etc. Chemical pneumonitis caused by inhalation of waterproofing spray has often been reported. Most waterproofing sprays contain a fluoropolymer in combination with hydrocarbons. However, chemical pneumonitis caused by waterproofing spray not containing fluoropolymer is uncommon. The authors are reporting a case of chemical pneumonitis caused by waterproofing spray, which contained hydrocarbon only. A 35-year-old man presented with dyspnea. The patient used a waterproofing spray on a tent for 30 minutes in a closed room. One hour and a half after spraying, the patient developed dyspnea, and his dyspnea had gotten worse. The patient's respiratory rate was fast, and the patient's arterial blood gas analysis showed hypoxemia. The chest X-ray and high resolution computed tomography showed bilateral ground-glass opacities and areas of consolidation in both lower lung fields. The patient was diagnosed with chemical pneumonitis caused by inhalation of waterproofing spray. Oxygen was given to the patient, and the patient was started on methylprednisolone intravenously. The patient's symptom improved after one day. After one week, most of symptoms of the patient improved and his chest X-ray showed improvement, so the patient was discharged. After discharge, oral prednisolone was prescribed instead of methylprednisolone, and was gradually tapered off. One month later, the patient's chest X-ray showed complete resolution.