Brief Answer:
Possible Chemical Pneumonitis..may take few weeks to resolve..

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX Welcome to HCM,

I've gone through your query and understand your concern..

Well it's quite unfortunate what you've been through , but let me assure you that it didn't turn out so severe as enclosed room with fire on and no ventilation on top of that painting, could've been much worse..

It's good that you've used water based paint, that's why most of those life threatening symptoms(respiratory failure, cardiac arrhythmia etc.) didn't show up..

Yes definitely , there is damage to the upper as well as lower respiratory tract , as your PCP has rightly pointed out as due to toxic chemical fumes from the paint.

Your tiredness and persistent breathlessness in absence of cardiac anomaly indicates chemical pneumonitis(harmful inflammation of the respiratory passages as well as lung tissue).

It's less likely to be picked up by the initial chest X-ray , however follow-up Chest X-ray after about 7 days may show some changes(most of the times it doesn't picked up by the X-rays, in that case Cat Scan of lungs and thorax is needed).

Some additional tests are needed to be performed like Arterial blood gas analysis, as well as a complete Toxicology(blood as well as urine) profile to determine if there's any further element of toxins present in your body or not..

They (heavy metals, hydrocarbons, dyes) have lot of delayed side effects , so you need to be vigilant for at least another 7-10 days..

Strictly stay away from any kind of paint or paint-thinners..

Please ensure that your room must have good ventilation, (fresh air to be specific)..

I think it'll be better for you to start taking home supplemental oxygen through Nasal Prongs @ 1-2 L/min for 16-18 hrs a day for the next week is required for betterment..

Also I believe you don't have any previous history of COPD/Asthma , or any prolonged cigarette smoking(let me know if you did)..

Also take steam inhalation 4-5 times a day , it'll help reducing the irritation..

Take Over the counter antacid , like Cap PANTOPRAZOLE 40 mg Once daily in the morning before breakfast as any kind of acid reflux tends to worsen the situation further..

Stay away from any kind of dust particles..

Please remain vigilant about your symptoms , no need to panic , but make sure at least not to stay unattended..

Avoid strenuous activities and also driving of any kind..

You should feel better within a few days but if in case improvement is not noted then Inhalational therapy with Corticosteroids as well as Beta agonists like Salbutamol nebulization needed to be started..

Please share these with your GP..Also a routine visit to your nearest ER might be needed in case of no improvement within another 5-7 days..

Let me know if I assist you further.. also keep me posted about your progress..

Take Care
Regards

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Brief Answer:
It depends from person to person..

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back dear,

Now our body always has mechanisms to heal on it's own but when it can't there comes the role of medicines and other supportive measures..

But there are several other factors too..

Do you have any previous medical condition like COPD/Asthma/Tuberculosis/Diabetes/HTN or any other kind ?

Any current medication are you on, apart from this present condition ?

Any history of prolonged cigarette smoking ?

Please answer them so that I can guide you in better way..

As for your query , inflammation of the respiratory tract as well as lungs due to toxicity of this kind , generally improves over period of time with prompt medical attention and proper precautions as I've already mentioned previously.

Recovery definitely occurs, but complete cure depends on several factors like :
duration of exposure,
extent of damage immediately after exposure,
status of respiratory tract prior to the exposure,
any delay in immediate treatment and management,
any delay in follow-up,
any complication involved primary(means the first time of exposure) or secondary(transportation to ER/Hospital) and a few more.....

Apart from this, I've already mentioned every bit of precautions as well as treatment options in my previous answer , to get a better result you need to implement them at the earliest...

So please take a moment, go through them and let me know if anything unclear..

Please do not panic, just follow the advises , you should be better over a period of time..

Kind Regards

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Brief Answer:
please follow the advises....

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX Welcome back,

Now it's good to know that you don't have any previous lung condition, which will definitely fasten the recovery..

However like I've already mentioned , maintaining healthy diet along with breathing exercises, all sounds fine but since you're still feeling breathing difficulty , supplemental oxygen therapy is needed(which I've already mentioned) ..

It'll fasten the process of your body's recovery from the toxic effects..

Along with that , take the steam inhalation. I'd request you to go back to my previous reply(the very first reply) where I've already mentioned the suitable home treatment and need for follow-up to the hospital in due course..

I've also mentioned in my very first reply the reason why the initial Chest X-ray was fine..

Yes discoloration of the toenail was due to toxic effects of the chemical , it's good that it's returned to it's normalcy now..

Lyrica and Eltroxin has no role in it and can be safely continued..

Follow all the advises , you should get better within a few days however like I've already mentioned complete resolution from chemical pneumonitis can take up to few weeks ..

I hope your doubts are clear now, get back to me in case you have any..

Kind Regards

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