Health Dictionary Find a Doctor

Chemical pneumonitis

For patient information click here

Editor(s)-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.D. [2]

Overview

Editor(s)-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.D. [2]

Overview

Chemical pneumonitis is inflammation of the lung caused by irritation from aspirated vomitus or barium used in gastro-intestinal imaging, ingested gasoline or other petroleum distillates, ingested or skin absorbed pesticides, gases from electroplating, or other irritants. It is sometimes called a “chemical Chemical pneumonitis“, though it is not infectious. May also be caused by the use of inhalants.When the toxic substance is an oil, the Chemical pneumonitis may be called lipoid Chemical pneumonitis.

Historical Perspective

Mendelson’s syndrome is a type of chemical Chemical pneumonitis in which aspiration of gastric acid is present. It was first described in pregnant females who aspirated gastric content during anesthesia, with development of respiratory distress, cyanosis and lung infiltrates on chest X ray.[1]

Causes

Chemical pneumonitis is inflammation of the lung caused by irritation from aspirated vomitus or barium used in gastro-intestinal imaging, ingested gasoline or other petroleum distillates, ingested or skin absorbed pesticides, gases from electroplating, or other irritants. It is sometimes called a “chemical chemical pneumonitis“, though it is not infectious. It may also be caused by the use of inhalants. When the toxic substance is an oil, the chemical pneumonitis may be called lipoid chemical pneumonitis.

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Approximately 3 in 5 patients with chemical pneumonitis have clinical improvement with clearing of chest X ray. Approximately 1 in every 3rd patient shows a rapid improvement followed with a new progressive infiltrate that suggests a secondary superimposed bacterial infection or the development of ARDS. The least common course, but the one with the worst prognosis, is the development of fulminant disease resulting in acute death.

References

  1. MENDELSON CL (1946). “The aspiration of stomach contents into the lungs during obstetric anesthesia”. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 52: 191–205. PMID 20993766. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help); |access-date= requires |url= (help)

Template:WH Template:WS

Historical Perspective

Editor(s)-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.D. [2]

Please help WikiDoc by adding more content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.

Overview

Mendelson’s syndrome is a type of chemical Chemical pneumonitis in which aspiration of gastric acid is present. It was first described in pregnant females who aspirated gastric content during anesthesia, with development of respiratory distress, cyanosis and lung infiltrates on chest X ray.[1]

References

  1. MENDELSON CL (1946). “The aspiration of stomach contents into the lungs during obstetric anesthesia”. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 52: 191–205. PMID 20993766. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help); |access-date= requires |url= (help)

Template:WH Template:WS

Pathophysiology

Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.

References

Template:WH Template:WS

Causes

Editor(s)-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.D. [2]

Please help WikiDoc by adding more content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.

Overview

Chemical pneumonitis is inflammation of the lung caused by irritation from aspirated vomitus or barium used in gastro-intestinal imaging, ingested gasoline or other petroleum distillates, ingested or skin absorbed pesticides, gases from electroplating, or other irritants. It is sometimes called a “chemical chemical pneumonitis“, though it is not infectious. It may also be caused by the use of inhalants. When the toxic substance is an oil, the chemical pneumonitis may be called lipoid chemical pneumonitis.

References

Template:WH Template:WS

Differentiating Chemical pneumonitis from other Diseases

Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.

References

Template:WH Template:WS

Epidemiology and Demographics

Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.

References

Template:WH Template:WS

Risk Factors

Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.

References

Template:WH Template:WS

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Editor(s)-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.D. [2]

Please help WikiDoc by adding more content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing.

Overview

Approximately 3 in 5 patients with chemical pneumonitis have clinical improvement with clearing of chest X ray. Approximately 1 in every 3rd patient shows a rapid improvement followed with a new progressive infiltrate that suggests a secondary superimposed bacterial infection or the development of ARDS. The least common course, but the one with the worst prognosis, is the development of fulminant disease resulting in acute death.

References

Template:WH Template:WS

Diagnosis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Chest X Ray | CT | MRI | Other Imaging Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Treatment

Medical Therapy | Primary Prevention | Secondary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case Studies

Case #1 Template:WH Template:WS

Looking for the patient version?

Back to the patient-friendly article

© 2026 MyEClinic – IFTM Institut für Telematik in der Medizin GmbH