Lung injury from inhaling butane hash oil mimics pneumonia.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

"Dabbing", a relatively new form of THC use which utilizes Butane Hash Oil (BHO), an extraction of dried cannabis containing high levels of butane and terpene byproducts. The extraction process yields a waxy substance that is heated, vaporized and inhaled. We describe a lung injury as a result of BHO use.

Case

A previously healthy 18-year-old female presented to the ED with shortness of breath for 3-4 days. Initial oxygen saturation was 79% on room air. She was refractory to bronchodilators, steroids and supplemental O₂. She has a 1-pack year smoking history and daily BHO abuse. Chest x-ray was positive for bilateral patchy infiltrates with mild hyperinflation. CT was negative for Pulmonary Embolus or other acute pathologic process. Sputum gram stain

SUBMITTER: Anderson RP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6327978 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature