Fire breather's pneumonia

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Fire breather's pneumonia
Synonyms	Exogenous lipoid pneumonia
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Pulmonology
Symptoms	Cough, dyspnea, chest pain, fever
Complications	Respiratory failure, chronic lung disease
Onset	Acute or chronic
Duration	Variable
Types	N/A
Causes	Aspiration of hydrocarbons, such as kerosene or paraffin
Risks	Fire breathing, smoking, gastroesophageal reflux disease
Diagnosis	Chest X-ray, CT scan, bronchoscopy
Differential diagnosis	Bacterial pneumonia, chemical pneumonitis, tuberculosis
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Supportive care, corticosteroids
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, depends on extent of lung damage
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Fire breather's pneumonia, also known as hydrocarbon pneumonitis, is a type of chemical pneumonia that occurs when hydrocarbon substances are inhaled into the lungs. This condition is particularly associated with individuals who perform fire breathing, a performance art that involves expelling a flammable liquid from the mouth and igniting it to create a flame.

Pathophysiology

The primary cause of fire breather's pneumonia is the aspiration of hydrocarbons, such as kerosene, gasoline, or other flammable liquids used in fire breathing. When these substances enter the respiratory tract, they can cause inflammation and damage to the lung tissue. The hydrocarbons disrupt the normal function of the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs, leading to impaired oxygenation and respiratory distress. The condition is a form of exogenous lipoid pneumonia, where the inhaled hydrocarbons act as foreign bodies, causing an inflammatory response. The body's immune system attempts to remove the foreign material, leading to further inflammation and potential damage to the lung tissue.

Symptoms

Symptoms of fire breather's pneumonia can vary depending on the amount of hydrocarbon inhaled and the individual's response. Common symptoms include:

• Cough
• Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
• Chest pain
• Fever
• Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen)

In severe cases, individuals may experience respiratory failure and require immediate medical attention.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of fire breather's pneumonia is typically based on the patient's history of exposure to hydrocarbons and clinical presentation. Chest X-ray or CT scan may be used to assess the extent of lung involvement and to rule out other causes of pneumonia. The imaging may show areas of consolidation or infiltrates in the lungs, indicative of inflammation and fluid accumulation.

Treatment

Treatment for fire breather's pneumonia focuses on supportive care and managing symptoms. This may include:

• Oxygen therapy to maintain adequate oxygen levels
• Bronchodilators to open the airways
• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Antibiotics if a secondary bacterial infection is suspected

In severe cases, mechanical ventilation may be necessary to support breathing.

Prevention

The most effective way to prevent fire breather's pneumonia is to avoid inhaling hydrocarbons. Fire breathers should be trained in proper techniques to minimize the risk of aspiration. Using less toxic substances and performing in controlled environments can also reduce the risk.

See also

• Chemical pneumonia
• Lipoid pneumonia
• Aspiration pneumonia
• Respiratory distress syndrome