Irritants inhalation, bronchiolitis

Inhalation bronchiolitis Toxic fume inhalation Irritant gases and mineral dusts Organic dusts... 

In addition to oral administration for hepatitis C infection in combination with interferon alfa, aerosolized ribavirin is administered by nebulizer (20 mg/mL for 12-18 hours per day) to children and infants with severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis or pneumonia to reduce the severity and duration of illness. Aerosolized ribavirin has also been used to treat influenza A and infections but has not gained widespread use. Systemic absorption is low (< 1%). Aerosolized ribavirin is generally well tolerated but may cause conjunctival or bronchial irritation. Health care workers should be protected against extended inhalation exposure. The aerosolized drug may precipitate on contact lenses. 

Certain forms of dyspnea yield only to opiates. Especially in this category is the dyspnea of acute left ventricular failure and pulmonary edema. Most authorities agree that morphine is contraindicated in patients with pulmonary edema caused by chemical respiratory irritants. If needed in such cases for severe pain, its use should be combined with oxygen inhalation and positive-pressure therapy. In bronchial asthma, morphine is usually contraindicated because there is danger of addiction, the drug tends to depress respiration and to constrict bronchioles, and patients with asthma may be allergic to the drug. Deaths have occurred from the use of morphine in asthma. 

The evaporation of liquid ammonia in contact with flesh can cause frostbite. Ammonia is a potent skin corrosive and can damage eye tissue. When inhaled, ammonia causes constriction of the bronchioles. Because of its high water solubility, ammonia is absorbed by the moist tissues of the upper respiratory tract. Irritant damage to the lungs from ammonia can cause edema and changes in lung permeability. 

The two most common toxic oxides of nitrogen are NO and NO2. The more toxic nitrogen dioxide causes severe irritation of the innermost parts of the lungs, resulting in pulmonary edema. In cases of severe exposures, fatal bronchiolitis fibrosa obliterans may develop approximately 3 weeks after exposure to NO2. FataUties can result from even brief periods of inhalation of air containing 200-700 ppm of NO2. 

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