Overdose with chlorine (bleach)

General or Other | - Others | Overdose with chlorine (bleach) (Disease)


Description

Chlorine is a chemical used mainly in bleaches, water disinfectants and in pulp mills. Ingestion and other exposures to the chemical can cause various symptoms. Chlorine is very corrosive and extensive damage to body tissues can result.

Chemical poisoning with Chlorine includes the following symptoms: Upper respiratory system irritation, chest pain, cough, nausea, vomiting, burning sensation, shortness of breath, dizziness, sore throat, impaired vision, runny nose, choking, fainting, skin irritation, skin burns, eye irritation, eye burns, watering eyes, breathing difficulty, headache, hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis, increased or decreased blood pressure, mouth ulcers, wheezing, fluid in the lungs, pneumonitis, throat swelling, burning mouth sensation, gastrointestinal burns, gastrointestinal bleeding, blood in stool, blood in vomit, reduced blood oxygenation, frostbite - liquid chlorine.

Causes and Risk factors

Chlorine reacts with water in and out of the body to form hydrochloric acid and hypochlorous acid. Both are extremely poisonous.

Diagnosis and Treatment

A chest X-ray may be performed to detect inhalation effects of chlorine or serious effects to the esophagus and stomach. A CT scan or gastroenterology consult may be needed in severe cases.

Treatment includes: removing the irritant, cleaning the skin, and treating any symptoms. ...