[Damage of the lungs after exposure to obscurant smoke - a case report]

Firing smoke candle, on reaction of pyrotechnic mixture of zinc oxide and hexachloroethane, releases of white smoke, which can damage the pulmonary parenchyma. Presented case illustrates the effects of such an inhalation injury that has led to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The use of mechanical ventilation and administration of antibiotics and corticosteroids give the possibility to obtain clinical improvement. The resulting changes in the lung parenchyma shown on imaging studies resulted in significant impairment of breathing.