Can high blood pressure be a symptom of chemical inhalation?

Question

A week and a half ago, I was in an accident at work. I breathed in a large amount of nitrogen, which the doctor said combined with the oxygen in the air and resulted in nitrous oxide poisoning.

I went to the hospital with some burns (frostbite, really), headache, confusion, and a sore throat and lungs. By 6-7 hours later, I was having difficulty breathing. At the hospital (again), they just did a chest x-ray and gave me Albuterol and send me home.

By 3 days later I had bad chest pains and shortness of breath, was coughing up (dry and phlegm) and had a headache. I went to a different hospital this time, and they did a full workup with blood tests, breathing treatments, intravenous steroids, etc. My pulse ox went back up to 98% while I was there. I was diagnosed with chemical pneumonia and sent home with breathing treatments, steroids, an antibiotic, and tylenol with codeine.

I was supposed to follow up with a pulmonologist yesterday, but workers comp hasn't approved it so I have to wait. I am worried because I keep having these wheezing fits were I can't breath (like asthma I guess) and if I hadn't had the Albuterol inhaler a couple of times I would have been in trouble. I am also worried because each time I went to the hospital and now when I check it my blood pressure is WAY high. It's always been super low, around 105 over 70, now I'm averaging around 140 over 95.

No previous respiratory problems, blood pressure problems, really any problems but knee surgery. I'm only 26. Any ideas as to what's going on.

P.S. My coughing and chest pain isn't clearing up, either.

Answer 1

the high blood pressure is one of the bodies responses to stress. if you have a pneumonia, expect 10 days of antibiotics at the minimum unless you have a resistant strain.

Answer 2

I am only a cna, but maybe you are getting stressed about the situation and that alone can cause your bp to go up. Can you check it yourself at home periodically? If you don't know how to use a stethescope then get one that runs off of batteries, you just put on the cuff and push the start button, they run around 40 dollars but they are real handy to have.

My son had bp problems and it was due to the meds he was taking.Could be the inhaler, codeine or the steroids. I would look all those meds up online and see if they have side affects of high bp.

Poor thing! Thats terrible, I agree with the first answer, work mans comp . better get their s---- together and fast! Thats a big law suit you got there, i know for now you just want your health back but don't be too quick for a settlement , this will most likely clear up since you are young but if it causes you minor problems later i would not risk a little settlement, call a good lawyer that deals with this type of problem.

What are the drs saying about your bp being high?

I would definitely check it at home when you are not stressed, then after u take your meds wait an hour or half hour and check it again, chart it down then you will know why. Take care sweetie, you will get well, hang in there.

Answer 3

You need a lawyer.

Answer 4

Im so sorry to hear what your going through, my GOD!

I do know for a fact that breathing treatments and steroids WILL increase your blood pressure....for sure.  Call your doctor and ask if theres anything you can  take to lower your blood pressure, maybe a mild diuretic or something.  Why cant your workers comp approve it?  You got hurt on the job...thats B.S.!  they better approve it!!!!  i wish you well, and get on there ***!  You cant fool around with this.

take care.

-mary