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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Bleach Cause Chest Infection?

I am incredibly embarrassed to admit this, but, yesterday I mixed bleach with CLR in an effort to get the litter box disinfected. Was doing this in the nice confined space of my bathroom. Was NOT thinking…clearly. I got one good breathful and instantly started coughing when I realized I screwed up and then proceeded to dump the stuff down the bathtub drain. I got some fans going and opened up all the windows and then got myself outside for some fresh air coughing like a maniac the entire time. I sat outside in the freezing cold weather with my winter coat and sweating profusely. I finally stopped coughing and sweating and called poison control. They suggested I go to the ER immediately. Now for my second stupid move of the day, I decided not to go to the hospital because I didn’t want to waste a day sitting in the ER. After a shower (in another bathroom), some more fresh air, and three hours of coughing and trying to take deep breaths, I started to feel better. Now my question is, what should I be on the look out for in the next few days? I am currently on Biaxin for an ear/sinus infection…I am hopeful that will stave off a chest infection? Should I call my family GP? Should I go to non emergent care?
Mon, 1 Sep 2014
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
from your description it sounds like you had a sugnificant inhalation of chlorine which causes chemical burns yo your lung tissue. At this time i would recommend you continue to monitor your breathing Now if you start coughing blood or get more short of breath that you see your doctor. I hope that answers your question. please write back if i can help any further.
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Can Bleach Cause Chest Infection?

from your description it sounds like you had a sugnificant inhalation of chlorine which causes chemical burns yo your lung tissue. At this time i would recommend you continue to monitor your breathing Now if you start coughing blood or get more short of breath that you see your doctor. I hope that answers your question. please write back if i can help any further.