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Can Chlorine Bleach Fumes Cause Sore Throat?

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Posted on Fri, 4 Nov 2016
Question: Hi, Thanks for answering my question! I was cleaning with chlorine bleach in a spray bottle for several days, most likely inhaling a lot of it! I have had a sore throats since, with a white spot on my left to tonsil, and soreness in the glands one my neck on that side as well! I have had this for several weeks, and had my throats swabbed once, as I thought it could be strep throat, it wasn't, they said it was tonsillitis. Should I be concerned?
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Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Throat pain

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

I am sorry to hear that you have a sore throat. More than likely it is due to the exposure to the chlorine bleach. When chlorine mixes with water a portion can become hydrochloric acid and cause burning of exposed skin and tissues. So since you have been doing cleaning with a vaporized solution you probably caused some burning in your throat. I recommend that you stop the chlorine use or if you must use the spray that you use a mask while spraying. Also start salt water gargles to help heal the burn and allow for reduced pain. Additional analgesics like tylenol or ibuprofen will help. You should feel better within 2-3 days.

I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Ronald Schubert (18 hours later)
I have had this for several weeks, have gargled with salt water a few times, doesnt make it go away! My throat is a little sore, not really anything painful, just mild soreness! How long will it take for this to heal? There is no soreness on the right side of my throat, only one white spot and soreness on the left side, is this unusual?Just wondering!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
sore throat

Detailed Answer:
Since this has been going on for over 2 weeks and you still have the sore throat and white spot I would recommend that you see your medical provider and have a referral to ENT. This should have healed within 1 week.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

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

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 2407 Questions

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Can Chlorine Bleach Fumes Cause Sore Throat?

Brief Answer: Throat pain Detailed Answer: Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns I am sorry to hear that you have a sore throat. More than likely it is due to the exposure to the chlorine bleach. When chlorine mixes with water a portion can become hydrochloric acid and cause burning of exposed skin and tissues. So since you have been doing cleaning with a vaporized solution you probably caused some burning in your throat. I recommend that you stop the chlorine use or if you must use the spray that you use a mask while spraying. Also start salt water gargles to help heal the burn and allow for reduced pain. Additional analgesics like tylenol or ibuprofen will help. You should feel better within 2-3 days. I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions