ABSTRACT Background Sulfuric acid inhalation can cause respiratory tract injury and life‐threatening respiratory failure. Reports of delayed hypoxemia after exposure to acid aerosols generated from foaming lead–acid batteries are rare. Case Presentation An 80‐year‐old auto mechanic inhaled an odorless aerosol for seconds while leaning over a foaming lead–acid battery in an enclosed garage, and presented with dyspnea and type I respiratory failure (PaO 2 /FiO 2 ratio = 195) after 13 days. Chest computed tomography showed bilateral ground‐glass opacities with superimposed right lung consolidation. Microbiological tests and autoantibody panel results were negative. High‐flow nasal cannula oxygen and intravenous systemic corticosteroids were initiated, with rapid improvement. Antibiotics were discontinued on day 8 and corticosteroids were tapered over 40 days followed by the patient's discharge on day 43. Conclusion Sulfuric acid inhalation can follow a subacute and progressive course. In severe cases, multimodal supportive care and selective systemic corticosteroids may be considered post‐assessment.
Saruta et al. (Thu,) studied this question.