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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Exposure To Bleach Cause Breathing Difficulties ?

My wife was in an enclosed room for about an hour using straight blech in a power washer to clean floors. This was about three weeks ago. That night she had problems breathing which seemed to have cleared up. She did not seek medical attention when this onset began. Tonight she is periodically having some difficulty swallowing at times and catching her breath. She said that is what it was like the night that she was exposed to the bleach. Could this still be a result of inhaling the fumes three weeks ago?
Sat, 5 May 2012
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OBGYN 's  Response

Yes this is possible as it can cause inflammation of the lung tissue (pneumonitis) that can persist for a significant period of time. She needs evaluation for infection and might even need steroids to reduce the inflammation. Given what you are describing, she needs to go and get checked out tonight in an ER setting.

Good luck!!
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Can Exposure To Bleach Cause Breathing Difficulties ?

Yes this is possible as it can cause inflammation of the lung tissue (pneumonitis) that can persist for a significant period of time. She needs evaluation for infection and might even need steroids to reduce the inflammation. Given what you are describing, she needs to go and get checked out tonight in an ER setting. Good luck!!