[Aspiration pneumonia after ingestion of kerosene - lamp oil is not a remedy].

History: We present the case of a 78-year old man, who developed aspiration pneumonia and consecutive sepsis after ingestion of a small amount of kerosene.
Findings and Diagnosis: Because unintentional ingestion was suspected first, diagnostic clarification of dementia was requested. Extensive exploration of the patient and third-party anamnesis excluded a psychiatric illness. Instead, a strong belief in alternative medical promises of healing was revealed as the true cause.
Therapy and Course: Thus, psychiatric treatment was not neccessary, while physical condition improved after administration of antimicrobial substances.
Conclusions: Psychiatric consultation may be helpful to diagnostically contextualize behaviour suggesting a mental illness.
Competing Interests: Die Autorinnen/Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht.
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