HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Can Inhaling Clorox Fumes Cause Tinnitus And Shortness Of Breath?

default
Posted on Wed, 19 Oct 2016
Question: Hello - Am an otherwise intelligent person, but often forget that Clorox can give off fumes and may make a person sick. I was ill advised in pouring some Clorox down the drain on Sunday night in my bathroom sink located off my bedroom (no door separating).

I was experiencing some sink clogging and thought this could help. It seemed to drain down and I turned on water for about 30-seconds. I then went to bed. I woke up quite tired and dizzy. However, I have been feeling tired and a little dizzy lately anyway. For more background I had a neck injury in the past (chiro + facet injections which made me dizzy/right side tinnitus full time). These effects sometime reoccur if my neck becomes super sore/strained. Have also recently had some shortness of breath so it is hard for me to distinguish what caused this episode.

Note: I also have positional apnea and drop oxy at night even when sleeping on side and stomach. I use a concentrator at night RX - 2LT.

Question: if it was the fumes from the Clorox, do you think I did some neuro/vestibular damage? I was not coughing or experiencing eye/throat burning during the night and did not smell fumes, am feeling better today, but still a bit dazed and off balance. Your input/recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (14 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Unlikely

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

I do not think that Clorox fumes did any neurologic or vestibular damage though. It is true that these fumes can be harmful, but that is mainly through directly acting on the lining of the airways and the eyes, areas of direct contact. Since you mention yourself not to have had any eye or throat burning there shouldn't be any toxic effect (even if we were to think of an exceptional case to damage other organs it should be absorbed in the respiratory tract first and I do not see how that could happen without some damage to the respiratory tract, some irritation).

So I do not think there was any neuro/vest damage, probably your neck as well as sleep issues are to blame about it.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Can Inhaling Clorox Fumes Cause Tinnitus And Shortness Of Breath?

Brief Answer: Unlikely Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. I do not think that Clorox fumes did any neurologic or vestibular damage though. It is true that these fumes can be harmful, but that is mainly through directly acting on the lining of the airways and the eyes, areas of direct contact. Since you mention yourself not to have had any eye or throat burning there shouldn't be any toxic effect (even if we were to think of an exceptional case to damage other organs it should be absorbed in the respiratory tract first and I do not see how that could happen without some damage to the respiratory tract, some irritation). So I do not think there was any neuro/vest damage, probably your neck as well as sleep issues are to blame about it. I remain at your disposal for other questions.