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How To Cure Cough And Choking Due To Inhaling Chemicals Used In Toilet Cleaners?
I stupidly mixed bleach and harpic toilet cleaner when cleaning the toilet and kept cleaning for a good 30 seconds before I had to run outside for some fresh air. Could hardly breathe and kept coughing choking. I ve drank milk and and sat outside and breathing has eased hit can t take a deep breath in or blow my nose without coughing. Worried what harm I have done and if its permenant. Please help. Denise
Mon, 2 Mar 2015
Hello and welcome to HCM,
Breathing the chemicals for few seconds (i.e. 30 seconds) has caused choking and difficulty breathing for some time, however, the chemicals are unlikely to cause permanent damage.
Chemicals are capable of causing damage to respiratory tract, however, continuous exposure to chemical is required to cause permanent damage.
If the exposure is only for few seconds or if the harmful chemical is removed instantly the possibility of damage is considerably reduced.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
Breathing the chemicals for few seconds (i.e. 30 seconds) has caused choking and difficulty breathing for some time, however, the chemicals are unlikely to cause permanent damage.
Chemicals are capable of causing damage to respiratory tract, however, continuous exposure to chemical is required to cause permanent damage.
If the exposure is only for few seconds or if the harmful chemical is removed instantly the possibility of damage is considerably reduced.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
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