Aspiration pneumonia after ingestion of kerosene - lamp oil is not a remedy

Abstract

We present the case of a 78-year old man, who developed aspiration pneumonia and consecutive sepsis after ingestion of a small amount of kerosene. Because unintentional ingestion was suspected first, diagnostic clarification of dementia was requested. Extensive exploration of the patient and third-party anamnesis excluded a psychiatric illness. Instead, a strong belief in alternative medical promises of healing was revealed as the true cause. Thus, psychiatric treatment was not neccessary, while physical condition improved after administration of antimicrobial substances. Psychiatric consultation may be helpful to diagnostically contextualize behaviour suggesting a mental illness.