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Fire-eater's lung.

Jolanta Załęska1, Arkadiusz Błaszczyk, Lilia Jakubowska

  • 1National Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Department of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Warsaw, Poland. zaleskajolanta@gmail.com.

Advances in Respiratory Medicine
|December 24, 2016
PubMed
Summary

An amateur fire-eater developed acute hydrocarbon pneumonitis, known as fire eater's lung (FEL), after inhaling lighter fluid. Symptoms included chest pain and shortness of breath, with lung lesions resolving over three months.

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Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Fire eater's lung (FEL) is a rare form of acute hydrocarbon pneumonitis.
  • It results from inhaling or aspirating liquid hydrocarbons, often seen in performance artists.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a case of fire eater's lung in an amateur fire-eater.
  • To describe the clinical presentation, radiographic findings, and outcome.
  • To review existing literature on fire eater's lung.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of an amateur fire-eater.
  • Clinical assessment including symptom evaluation and physical examination.
  • Radiographic imaging (chest X-ray/CT scan) to identify lung abnormalities.
  • Literature review on fire eater's lung.
Keywords:
hydrocarbon pneumonitisliquid hydrocarbons with low viscositypneumatoceles

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Main Results:

  • The patient aspirated a significant amount of liquid hydrocarbon (lighter fluid).
  • Acute symptoms included fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, and cough.
  • Radiography revealed consolidations and pneumatoceles, predominantly in the lower lobes.
  • Clinical improvement occurred within a week, with near-complete resolution of lung lesions over three months.

Conclusions:

  • Fire eater's lung is a serious condition requiring prompt medical attention.
  • Early diagnosis and supportive care can lead to favorable outcomes.
  • This case highlights the risks associated with amateur fire-eating activities.