Response evaluation to glucocorticoids in chemical pneumonitis due to white, black gunpowder smoke, case report

Evaluación de respuesta a glucocorticoides en neumonitis química por humo blanco de pólvora negra, reporte de caso

Historically, different types of explosives have been used in mining. Black gunpowder is the most widely used, comprising carbon, sulfur, and potassium nitrate. Knowing that the fumes emitted after an explosion are highly toxic is essential. Chemical pneumonitis resulting from the inhalation of pyrotechnic smoke (black powder) is associated with the various products of its combustion, where potassium compounds are predominant and highly toxic. We report the case of a man in his third decade of life who, working as a miner, was exposed to the inhalation of white smoke from black powder for an approximate time of 10 minutes with the subsequent appearance of signs of respiratory difficulty and pulmonary involvement that was demonstrated. Through imaging (x-ray and chest tomography), bilateral inflammatory lung involvement at the interstitial level is observed secondary to inhaled toxins, and after the initiation of early corticosteroid therapy, adequate resolution of the interstitial lung involvement is documented, accompanied by an adequate clinical and respiratory response.