황화수소로 인한 화학성 폐렴 2예

화학성 폐렴은 유독한 화학물질의 흡입 혹은 흡인으로 발생한다. 황화수소는 자연적으로 발생하기도 하지만, 석유 정제, 약품 제조 과정 등에서 발생하여, 고농도로 노출될 경우 화학성 폐렴을 일으킨다. 두 명의 근로자가 제약회사의 폐수처리장에서 작업하던 중 황화수소가 포함된 혼합가스에 노출된 후 의식을 잃었다가, 구조된 이후에 의식은 회복되었으나, 호흡곤란과 기침을 호소하며 내원하였다. 단순 흉부 방사선 검사 및 고해상도 전산화 단층촬영에서 폐침윤이 관찰되어, 화학성 폐렴으로 진단하였고, 동맥혈가스 분석에서 저산소혈증을 보여 산소공급 및 보존적 치료 후 임상 및 방사선학적으로 회복되었다. Chemical pneumonitis is an occupational lung disease that`s caused by the inhalation of chemical substances. Its severity depends on the characteristics of the substances, the exposure time and the susceptibility of the patients. Hydrogen sulfide is not only emitted naturally, but it also frequently found in industrial settings where it is either used as a reactant or it is a by-product of manufacturing or industrial processes. Inhalation of hydrogen sulfide causes various respiratory reactions from cough to acute respiratory failure, depending on the severity. Two pharmaceutical factory workers were admitted after being rescued from a waste water disposal site that contained hydrogen sulfide. In spite that they recovered their consciousness, they had excessive cough and mild dyspnea. The simple chest radiographs and high resolution computed tomography showed diffuse interstitial infiltrates, and hypoxemia was present. They were diagnosed as suffering from chemical pneumonitis caused by hydrogen sulfide. After conservative management that included oxygen therapy, their symptoms, hypoxemia and radiographic abnormalities were improved. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2008;64:210-214)