A case of lung injury caused by ammonia-gas inhalation.

Lee, Jong Deog; Sin, Won Ho; Kim, Kuen Yong; Lee, Won Ju; Choi, Jin Hak; Whang, Young Sil

doi:1991.38.1.70

Tuberc Respir Dis > Volume 38(1); 1991 > Article

Case Report

Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases 1991;38(1):70-73.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4046/trd.1991.38.1.70 Published online March 1, 1991.

A case of lung injury caused by ammonia-gas inhalation.

Jong Deog Lee, Won Ho Sin, Kuen Yong Kim, Won Ju Lee, Jin Hak Choi, Young Sil Whang

Department of Internal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju, Korea

Abstract

We have experienced a case of lung injury caused by accidental inhalation of ammonia gas in a 34 year-old-man. By the explosion of ammonia tank in a refrigerator boat he inhaled ammonia gas. 5everal minutes later, he suffered from severe dyspnea and visual loss. On arrival at emergency room, analysis of arterial blood gas revealed severe hypoxemia and his chest film showed bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. Under the impression of adult respiratory distress syndrome, mechanical ventilator was applied to the patient. After recovery from ARD5 and tracheal edema, he complained of some hemoptysis and productive sputum during the admission. 50 we checked bronchoscopy and bronchoscopy which showed tracheal bullae just above carina and tubular bronchiectatic change in the right lower lobe. We report a case of lung injuries-ARD5, tracheal bullae, and bronchiectasis-caused by inhalation of ammonia gas with the review of the relevant literatures.