Take the Pneumonia Quiz The Common Cold Slideshow Pictures Bronchitis Slideshow Pictures

Next Steps

Outlook

Prognosis depends on the chemical exposure and person's medical condition. For example, an elderly person with lung disease exposed to moderate amounts of vaporized ammonium chloride might suffer serious problems as compared to a young athlete with no lung problems. In general, the more severe the symptoms, the more likely you will suffer short- and long-term complications.

• Short-term complications include other organ injury in addition to possible death.

• Long-term complications include lung scarring and recurrent pneumonia.