A case of lung injury due to a hydrogen explosion caused by the simultaneous use of two home folk remedies devices

Abstract

A 62-year-old woman was diagnosed with postoperative breast cancer recurrence. While inhaling hydrogen gas through a nasal cannula at home, she used a heat-therapy machine that emitted electromagnetic waves to the breast cancer site. She suddenly experienced explosive sounds in her chest and smelled burning. Subsequently, she experienced several overlapping hemoptysis episodes and was referred to our hospital for further evaluation. Computed tomography revealed an alveolar-centered pulmonary contusion (Figure 1), and the patient was admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of inhalation combustion lung injury. Arterial blood gas analysis showed no deterioration, and computed tomography revealed no worsening of pulmonary findings or oxygen demand. The hemoptysis resolved spontaneously, and re-evaluation on day 9 confirmed the disappearance of the pulmonary contusion.

Blast lung injuries typically occur during wars or bombing incidents but rarely occur in the home environment.¹ Although the medical efficacy of hydrogen gas remains controversial, several studies have reported the risk of associated explosions.² Our patient was exposed to a small explosion that caused no abnormalities in blood test results, including coagulation function parameters. This case demonstrates that lung injuries caused by the inhalation of combustible gases associated with folk remedies can occur even at home.

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Approval of the research protocol: N/A.

Informed consent: Informed consent was obtained from the patient.

Registry and registration no. of the study/trial: N/A.

Animal studies: N/A.