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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
[Fire-eater's lung. Two cases and review of the literature]
1Medizinische Klinik 1, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen. sabine.lampert@med1.imed.uni-erlangen.de
History And Admission Findings:
Two men were hospitalized (three years apart) after aspirating petroleum on their fist attempt at "fire-eating". Pt.1 (aged 25 years) complained of chest pain, dyspnea and dizziness. The other (Pt. 2; aged 29 years) had a hemoptysis. Pt. 1 had a normal body temperature, but the breath sounds were decreased over the left base. The breath sounds in Pt. 2 were normal, but he had a fever of 38.8 degrees C. Routine physical examination was unremarkable.
Investigations:
Laboratory tests in both patients revealed increased inflammatory parameters. Chest radiographs showed that Pt. 1 had a left basal alveolar infiltrate, while Pt. 2 had an infiltrate in the right middle and upper lobe, which on computed tomography after a few days showed signs of cavitation in the left infrahilar region and the middle lobe, respectively. Pneumococci were found in the sputum of Pt. 2.
Treatment And Course:
Both patients were given antibiotics, Pt. 1 also had salbutamol inhalation treatment. The patients were discharged symptom-free after 8 and 10 days, respectively. A follow-up chest radiograph four weeks later in Pt. 1 merely showed streaky-fibrotic residues.
Conclusion:
These two case reports and detailed literature search indicate that immediate administration of antibiotics is important, while routine steroid treatment is not necessary.
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