Question - The cited article notes “Anhydrous ammonia is a colorless, highly irritating, water- soluble gas with a pungent odor. It is commonly used as a refrigerant in industry and fertilizer in agriculture. Ammonia is pressurized into a liquid for storage and transport. Inhalation of this gas may acutely cause a variety of respiratory conditions including laryngitis, tracheobronchitis, bronchiolitis, bronchopneumonia and pulmonary edema.” What problems have been reported in individuals who survive the acute phase of high concentration ammonia inhalation?
Answer- The cited article reports “The patients that survive the acute phase may develop a disabling pulmonary disease characterized by bronchiectasis, airway hyper-reactivity, bronchiolitis obliterans, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and occasionally interstitial lung disease.” (Tonelli AR and Pham A. Bronchiectasis, a long-term sequela of ammonia inhalation: A case report and review of the literature. 2009 Burns 35:451-453)