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What Causes Respiratory Issues After Using Inhaling Smell Of Oil Paint?

Posted on Mon, 23 Mar 2015

Question: HI - I am an artist, and about a year ago I switched over to oil paints from acrylics. About 6-8 months in, I noticed I was having some respiratory issues (clearing of throat, coughing, etc) that became quite nagging. It took me a while to make the correlation that the oils/mediums were the cause of my respiratory issues. I then switched over to non solvent cleaners and mediums , and while it has lessened the symptoms, I still have issues every time I am in my studio (even if I use acrylics). I have improved my ventilation with use of fans and by keeping windows open (even in 25 degree weather!) but I am worried that I may have done some real damage to my lungs?? What should I do?? Should I see a pulmonologist??

Thank you very much for your opinion - XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, consult pulmonologist and get done PFT.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, thanks for your question on HCM.
I can understand your situation and problem.
Oil paints can cause allergy in susceptible individuals.
So you might be developed all these symptoms due to respiratory tract allergy (asthma) because of oil paints.
Another supporting evidence for the same is, you are improving with change of paint and atmosphere of your surroundings.
So I advice you to consult pulmonologist and get done PFT ( pulmonary function test ) to rule out oil paint induced asthma.
PFT is must for the diagnosis of asthma.
It will also tell you about severity of the disease.
And treatment is based on severity only.
So PFT is needed in your case.
So consult pulmonologist and discuss all these.
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (9 hours later)

Thank you so much Doctor, I will follow your instructions! I wondered if this might be some kind of allergy - that is sort of what it feels like. But everyone kept saying that was out of the question (the guys at the art store, anyway...) I am worried because asthma sounds scary! And I love my oil paint and the thought of giving them up is unappealing too. I am a working artist in XXXXXXX and in the past couple years have started to achieve a good deal of success, so this is a bummer.

I have also wondered about using a respirator of some kind. Anyway - I will call the doc today and get this going...thanks again!

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Thanks for your reply.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, thanks for your reply.
Thanks for your kind words.
I am feeling truely obliged by your words.
If you are not having further queries, then please close the conversation and rate my answer.
You can ask me directly on bit.ly / askdrkaushalbhavsar.
Wishing you good health.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar