Hi. My friend was using a weed eater to clear cudzu from our yard. She was not burning anything. She got into some poison ivy. She has several places on her body where she has a rash. We asked the pharmacist & she recommended which over the counter topical medicine to use. However, in the past day or so, her lungs have begun to burn. Could she have inhaled some of the poison ivy & could it be growing in her lungs? If so, what should she do about it? Is this life threatening? Will it go away on its own?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. Possibility of inhalation of poison ivy is very less. But since she is having burning in lungs, possibility of post inhalation bronchitis is more. It is inflammatory reaction in airways due to irritation caused by inhaled substance. It is usually self limiting and heals by its own. She needs to take fresh air, fluids orally etc. But if burning sensation worsens, or she develops cough or breathlessness then better to consult pulmonologist and start inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). At present, no need to worry much. She will mostly improve by its own. Hope I have solved your query. Wishing good health to your friend. Thanks.