NON INFECTIOUS PNEUMONITIS

• Is caused primarily by inhalation or aspiration

• Smoke inhalation, submersion injuries ( complex)

• Hydrocarbon, chlorine ( pure )

NON INFECTIOUS PNEUMONITIS

• At least 50% of all fire related deaths

• Combined effects of exposure of the respiratory tract to thermal & chemical products of combustion

Smoke Inhalation Injury

INJURY TO THE RESPIRATORY TRACT MAY OCCUR FROM THE FOLLOWING;

1. Direct heat

2. Acute asphyxia

3. Carbon monoxide poisoning

4. Toxic fumes, including cyanide

> Exposure to smoke → degradation of surfactant & low production → atelectasis

• Thermal airway injury - limited to areas above the larynx

What are the results of Injury?

1. Mucosal edema

2. Activation of irritant receptors

3. Necrosis

4. Sloughing of airway mucosa

5. Inspissation of sooty debris

6. Airway obstruction → hypoxemia, atelectasis & reduced bacterial clearance

What are the 2 other main chemical constituents of smoke?

• Carbon monoxide (CO)

• Cyanide

What are the treatments for NIP?

• Non specific & supportive

• No patient should be sent home in < 6 hours

• No pulmonary therapy is indicated before symptoms develop

• Induction of vomiting or gastric lavage - contraindicated

Etiology of NIP

• Furniture polish, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, gasoline, turpentine, spot remover

• The lower the viscosity & the higher the volatility of the hydrocarbon compound, the greater is the pulmonary toxicity

In etiology of NIP, the ____ the viscosity & the _____ the volatility of the hydrocarbon compound, the ____ is the pulmonary toxicity.

lower, higher, greater

Is the most frequent immediate cause of fire-related death.

CO intoxication

In the Structural Classes of Hydrocarbons and Examples, what are the following aromatics?

• solvents

• glues

• nail polishes

• paints

• paints remover

In the Structural Classes of Hydrocarbons and Examples, what are the following Halogenated?

• refrigerants

• industrial solvents

In the Structural Classes of Hydrocarbons and Examples, what are the following Tarpenes?

• turpentine

• pine oil

In the Structural Classes of Hydrocarbons and Examples, what are the following Aliphatic?

• gasoline

• kerosene