Ask Your Health Question. Health Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Health Question?)

A relative of mine just had a lung filled with barium ...
Sent to Health Experts January 18 06:18 AM

A relative of mine just had a lung filled with barium sulfate becasue of a nurse mistake. the tube was placed in the lung instead of the abdomen(stomach, intestines). He went into RD and is now in ICU What are some of the ensuing problems?

 

Optional Information:
Male, Age: 41, North Dakota

Already Tried:
Nothing yet. I am waiting for the professional to do their job.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $9
Answer
January 18 6:31 AM (13 minutes and 18 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

Greetings.

It is quite serious problem and may cause pneumonitis. Although, barium is inert (non irritating) material still, it can cause alveolar shunts, infiltration and resultant hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels). Bronchoscopy is performed to remove the barium. The prognosis would be dependent on the amount of barium inserted.

Hope this helps.

Your follow up questions are welcome.

Dr. Arun

 



This communication is open till you are satisfied. I have 20 years experience of direct patient care as a surgeon, sports medicine specialist and a medical teacher. Please click accept if I had answered your question. Good feedback/bonus is welcome.
Picture
Dr. Arun Phophalia -- Doctor (MD) -- 100% Positive Feedback on 3275 Health Accepts
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), Post-doctoral Fellowship in Sports Medicine
Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

Related Answers

 

DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the Just Answer service comes from those individuals, not from Just Answer!, and that Just Answer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on Just Answer! are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. Just Answer! is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

Just Answer! > Online Health Advice