special subjects
Metal Fume Fever and Polymer Fume Fever
Prognosis
Metal fume fever is a benign disorder that resolves spontaneously over 12 to 48 hours after the last exposure to zinc or other metal fumes; however, tachyphylaxis may occur if exposure is repeated. Severe cases that manifest with ARDS-like symptoms may require supportive measures for days to weeks. In case reports, repeated episodes can result in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (COPD), The prognosis in polymer fume fever is similar to that in metal fume fever. 