Journal of Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad : JAMC
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J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad · Jul 2019
Case ReportsA Breath Close To Death: A Case Report Of Idiosyncratic Reaction To Welding Fumes.
A 39-year-old gentleman presented to emergency department with a few hours' history of acute shortness of breath, cough and haemoptysis that developed whilst welding a steel tank in a closed container. He was welder by profession for thirteen years with no significant past medical history. The arterial blood gas showed severe oxygenation impairment and he was intubated for mechanical ventilation. ⋯ Welding metal fumes related ARDS remains the diagnosis of exclusion and all other causes must be ruled out. The key to treatment is ventilation support with early endotracheal intubation. Appropriate precautionary measures are advised to avoid occupational health hazards in welding profession.