(aka Teflon Flu)

Exposure

• Thermal Breakdown of Chlorofluoropolymers
  • Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE/Teflon) (see also [[Polytetrafluoroethylene]]: occurs with PTFE/Teflon heated to low temperatures (acute lung injury-ARDS can occur with PTFE/Teflon heated to high temperatures)
  • Other Compounds

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Physiology

• Inhalational Exposure to Polymer Fumes
  • Possibly cytokine-mediated

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Diagnosis

• CXR/Chest CT: usually normal (if infiltrates are present, should suggest alternative diagnosis)
• CBC: leukocytosis may be seen
• ABG: hypoxemia is usually absent
• FOB: marked influx of neutrophils

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Clinical

(onset of symptoms 4-8 hrs after acute inhalation of fumes or dust)

• Mild Dyspnea (see Dyspnea, [[Dyspnea]])
• Cough (see Cough, [[Cough]])
• Fever (see Fever, [[Fever]])
• Flu-Like Syndrome
  • Malaise
  • Chills
  • Myalgia

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Treatment

• Self-Limited: usually spontaneously resolves within 12-48 hrs

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References

• xxx