After removal from exposure to inhaled poisons, lung damage may continue to progress.

After removal from exposure to inhaled poisons, lung damage may continue to progress.

• A. False
• B. Not sure
• C. True
• D. Cannot determine

Answer: (C)

Inhaled toxins can trigger a lung injury that continues to evolve after the exposure ends. The injury sets off an inflammatory response in the airways and alveoli, with immune cells releasing mediators that increase capillary permeability. Fluid and inflammatory debris leak into the air spaces, leading to pulmonary edema and impaired gas exchange. This process can peak hours to days after the exposure, so lung damage may keep progressing even though the person is no longer inhaling the poison. That’s why there can be delayed respiratory deterioration, and patients often need careful monitoring and supportive care (like oxygen) after exposure has stopped, rather than assuming improvement immediately.

Inhaled toxins can trigger a lung injury that continues to evolve after the exposure ends. The injury sets off an inflammatory response in the airways and alveoli, with immune cells releasing mediators that increase capillary permeability. Fluid and inflammatory debris leak into the air spaces, leading to pulmonary edema and impaired gas exchange. This process can peak hours to days after the exposure, so lung damage may keep progressing even though the person is no longer inhaling the poison. That’s why there can be delayed respiratory deterioration, and patients often need careful monitoring and supportive care (like oxygen) after exposure has stopped, rather than assuming improvement immediately.