Contents

SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyReferences
Potentially life-threatening emergency
Nitrogen dioxide poisoning
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed
Potentially life-threatening emergency

Nitrogen dioxide poisoning

Contributors: Scott Echternacht MD, Benjamin L. Mazer MD, MBA, Michael W. Winter MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Nitrogen dioxide poisoning is a cause of upper airway reactivity and lung injury. Nitrogen dioxide is produced from burning fossil fuel. Ambient nitrogen dioxide is produced through automobile traffic and industrial processes. Chronic exposure to high ambient levels may contribute to reactive airway diseases and reduced lung function. Of more concern is acute exposure to very high levels of nitrogen dioxide, typically through occupational exposure or automobile fires. Effects of such exposure can range from sore throat and burning eyes to bronchospasm and pulmonary edema.

Treatment involves supportive measures, including supplemental oxygen and intubation in severe cases. Patients can develop interstitial lung disease or bronchiolitis obliterans after an episode of nitrogen dioxide poisoning.

Codes

ICD10CM:
T59.0X4A – Toxic effect of nitrogen oxides, undetermined, initial encounter

SNOMEDCT:
80503009 – Nitrogen dioxide poisoning

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Diagnostic Pearls

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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential

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Best Tests

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Management Pearls

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Therapy

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References

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Last Reviewed:04/01/2019
Last Updated:05/16/2019
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Potentially life-threatening emergency
Nitrogen dioxide poisoning
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A medical illustration showing key findings of Nitrogen dioxide poisoning : Chest pain, Choking, Cough, Headache, Nausea, Dyspnea
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