Korean J Med.  2011 Jun;80(Suppl 2):S194-S198.

A Case of Chemical Pneumonitis Induced by Teflon Inhalation

• Lee JY
• Kim MJ
• Yoo JY
• Ahn BK
• Hwang HG
• Lim GI
• Im HH

Abstract

Chemical pneumonitis is defined as lung irritation caused by inhalation of substances toxic to the lungs. Acute chemical pneumonitis causes swelling of the lung tissue, movement of fluid into the air spaces in the lung, and a decreased ability to absorb oxygen and eliminate carbon dioxide. Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene) is a commonly used synthetic fiber or insulator. To our knowledge, chemical pneumonitis and acute respiratory failure induced by Teflon inhalation has not been previously reported in Korea. We experienced a 44-year-old patient who had a cough and dyspnea that were aggravated 10 h after smoking tobacco wet by Teflon for 5 min at his workplace. Upon arrival at the emergency room, his blood pressure was low and his arterial blood gas analysis revealed hypoxemia. A chest radiograph showed diffuse haziness on both mid- to-lower lung fields. Following treatment by conservative therapy, including oxygen supply and steroid use, his condition was relatively good and his chest radiograph normalized.

Keyword

Teflon; Chemical pneumonitis

MeSH Terms

Adult
Anoxia
Blood Gas Analysis
Blood Pressure
Carbon Dioxide
Cough
Dyspnea
Emergencies
Humans
Inhalation
Korea
Lung
Oxygen
Pneumonia
Polytetrafluoroethylene
Respiratory Insufficiency
Smoke
Smoking
Thorax
Tobacco
Carbon Dioxide
Oxygen
Polytetrafluoroethylene
Smoke