Symptoms of Chemical Pneumonia
Chemical pneumonia is an aggravation of the lining of the lungs as a result of breathing in household chemicals such as cleaning solutions or bug sprays. It is not a contagious form of pneumonia. The primary focus when diagnosing chemical pneumonia is to determine what chemical caused the condition, and then treatment is tailored to counteracting the effects of that chemical usually with medication.
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Burning Sensation
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As chemical pneumonia begins to set in, you may notice a burning sensation in some parts of your body. The most common places to feel this are eyes, lips, nose, mouth, and throat. You may also experience pain when you try to breathe that also resembles a burning sensation in the lungs.
Coughing
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Coughing is a common symptom of chemical pneumonia. You may start to experience a dry cough at first, and as your condition advances you may notice that you are coughing up fluids. You may begin to cough up phlegm or mucus in a variety of colors including yellow or green, and you may also cough up a clear liquid as well. It is possible that you may start to cough up blood, and your blood may mix with the other liquids you are coughing up to form a pink substance with the consistency of whipped cream. You may also begin to gag and choke for no apparent reason.
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Flu-Like Symptoms
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Chemical pneumonia can create a variety of flu-like symptoms. You may begin to feel flush, or that you are starting to experience a fever. You may start to ache all over your body, and you may also start to experience chest pains. You could begin to suffer from shortness of breath, and this could leave you dizzy. You may also begin to experience abdominal pain that could lead to nausea and vomiting.
Psychological Symptoms
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You may start to experience disorientation as a result of chemical pneumonia. It is possible that you may display signs of delirium, and you may find it difficult to focus on simple daily tasks. You may also start to show signs of being confused, and it is possible that you could lose consciousness.
Breathing Symptoms
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The breathing symptoms associated with chemical pneumonia are normally a rapid breathing that takes quick and shallow breaths. Your voice may start to sound raspy, and you may find it extremely difficult to breathe. Your skin may start to turn pale and your fingernails may begin to turn blue. These symptoms may be due to a lack of oxygen, or they could be the chemicals reacting in your body.
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