HYDROCaRBON PNEUMONIA
This is a lung injury caused by aspiration of a hydrocarbon, commonly aspiration of kerosene. In many Filipino homes, kerosene is being used in cooking and adults placed the kerosene in an empty softdrink bottles that children mistakenly ingest them.
So what happens in hydrocarbon poisoning? It may involve the central nervous system, the myocardium, the lungs, kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract but it is the lungs that is most frequently and greatly affected.
There would be necrosis of the tissues, atelectasis, interstitial inflammation, edema, thrombosis and hyaline membrane formation.
There would be necrosis of the tissues, atelectasis, interstitial inflammation, edema, thrombosis and hyaline membrane formation.
The severe changes in the lungs is attributed to the low viscosity and high volatility of hydrocarbons.
If a child accidentally ingests hydrocarbons, almost immediately, vomiting occurs. Then signs and symptoms of lower airway obstructions may be observed. Fever may develop after 12-24 hours. In severe cases, there may be rapid progression of the respiratory distress, hemoptysis and pulmonary edema.
When hydrocarbons are ingested, emetics must not be given. Children should be brought to the hospital for closed observation for signs of respiratory distress. But what is most important is for parents to be very careful and be responsible in handling things and materials that could endanger the life of the children.