Acute toxic pneumonitis complicating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a farmer

American Journal of Industrial Medicine
Sigurdur T SigurdarsonJoel N Kline

Abstract

Toxic pneumonitis or Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome (ODTS) is a common, usually self-limiting condition among agricultural workers, occurring after high level exposure to agricultural dust. We describe the case of a 68-year-old smoker and farmer who became ill with dyspnea, flu-like symptoms, and hypoxia after cleaning out a grain bin. Chest radiograph was normal. He was treated with steroids, antibiotics, and oxygen supplementation and recovered over 3 months, but continues with lingering exercise intolerance after 2 years. Although toxic pneumonitis usually follows a relatively benign course with spontaneous recovery and no permanent sequale it can lead to the exacerbation of underlying lung conditions, resulting in incomplete or delayed recovery. Prevention is aimed at limiting exposure by avoidance, by increasing ventilation in closed spaces and by appropriate use of personal protective equipment.

References

Mar 1, 1975·Chest·D A EmanuelB R Lawton
Nov 17, 1998·American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Mar 5, 2002·American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·Jane A HoppinDale P Sandler

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Feb 16, 2010·Journal of Animal Science·K J Donham

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Antifungals

An antifungal, also known as an antimycotic medication, is a pharmaceutical fungicide or fungistatic used to treat and prevent mycosis such as athlete's foot, ringworm, candidiasis, cryptococcal meningitis, and others. Discover the latest research on antifungals here.

Antifungals (ASM)

An antifungal, also known as an antimycotic medication, is a pharmaceutical fungicide or fungistatic used to treat and prevent mycosis such as athlete's foot, ringworm, candidiasis, cryptococcal meningitis, and others. Discover the latest research on antifungals here.