Pulmonary effects of acute exposure to nitrous fumes

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Abstract
Four cases of poisoning by nitrous fumes are reported. Three patients presented with pulmonary oedema, and one of these progressed to the phase of bronchiolitis obliterans; the fourth patient presented with the clinical features of bronchiolitis obliterans. Pulmonary function studies in both phases showed a predominantly restrictive pattern of ventilatory abnormality with a tendency to hypoxaemia, hypocapnia, and reduced transfer factor. Complete recovery followed prompt treatment with corticosteroids. It is emphasized that three of these four accidents were preventable.