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What causes breathing difficulties after inhaling steam?

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Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 26 year old male weighing in 185 Ibs and 5'9". I do not take any medications. I am worried if I am at risk of any complications after having breathed in some steam/air at about 350 F. I was covering a pot roast I had just taken out of the oven when I accidentally took a breath of its steam when I was directly overhead. After it happened, moments later I had shortness of breath and had pain on the left side of my chest. This happened six hours ago. Since then, I have slept and my breathing is normal. There is only a dull lingering pain on the left side of my chest now. I have no cough, my breathing remains steady when I lie down. I do not get dizzy either.
Answered by Dr. Ritesh Kumar Singh

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ritesh Kumar Singh is a dedicated General Practitioner providing comprehensive healthcare for patients of all ages. He is skilled in diagnosing and managing both acute and chronic illnesses while emphasizing preventive care and patient education. With a compassionate and patient-centered approach, he focuses on promoting long-term health, improving quality of life, and supporting overall well-being through tailored medical guidance.

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Based on the history, at times, though not very common, steam/air inhalation can cause inflammation of the airway leading to respiratory symptoms and even pulmonary edema. So, keep an eye on symptoms like development of hoarseness of voice, wheezing, stridor, breathlessness, or chest pain. If any of the symptoms occurs immediately contact a doctor.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At August 13, 2018
Reviewed At May 7, 2024

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ritesh Kumar Singh is a dedicated General Practitioner providing comprehensive healthcare for patients of all ages. He is skilled in diagnosing and managing both acute and chronic illnesses while emphasizing preventive care and patient education. With a compassionate and patient-centered approach, he focuses on promoting long-term health, improving quality of life, and supporting overall well-being through tailored medical guidance.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

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Dr. Ritesh Kumar Singh

General Medicine

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Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ritesh Kumar Singh is a dedicated General Practitioner providing comprehensive healthcare for patients of all ages. He is skilled in diagnosing and managing both acute and chronic illnesses while emphasizing preventive care and patient education. With a compassionate and patient-centered approach, he focuses on promoting long-term health, improving quality of life, and supporting overall well-being through tailored medical guidance.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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