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Is Vomiting After Consumption Of Clorox Bleach A Cause For Concern?

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Posted on Fri, 24 Apr 2015
Question: My son drank maybe a tsp of Clorox. He threw up immediately. I made him drink a whole bottle of water. My grandma is a peds nurse and said he should be fine because it was so little. I'm worried though!
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Answered by Dr. Arun (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
he could be fine but take him to ER

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us.
Clorox bleach can cause vomiting and gastritis if taken accidentally.
It contains sodium hypochlorite which can release chlorine in the body and cause chemical injury to lungs and esophagus and stomach.
Even if your child looks well there can be delayed symptoms like pain in the throat breathing difficulty etc.
It is better to take him to ER and get him evaluated and monitored for few hours atleast to make sure he is absolutely safe.
There is no antidote but most of them get better.
Wishing your child good health.
Regards
Dr Arun
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

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

Pediatrician, Pulmonology

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 1959 Questions

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Is Vomiting After Consumption Of Clorox Bleach A Cause For Concern?

Brief Answer: he could be fine but take him to ER Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for writing to us. Clorox bleach can cause vomiting and gastritis if taken accidentally. It contains sodium hypochlorite which can release chlorine in the body and cause chemical injury to lungs and esophagus and stomach. Even if your child looks well there can be delayed symptoms like pain in the throat breathing difficulty etc. It is better to take him to ER and get him evaluated and monitored for few hours atleast to make sure he is absolutely safe. There is no antidote but most of them get better. Wishing your child good health. Regards Dr Arun