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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Cough And Runny Nose Cause By Chemical Exposure Be Treated?

Yesterday I mixed Clorox bleach and Pine Sol together to clean the bathroom (stupid now that I have read about the reaction). Had a tough time breathing, nose running, eyes running, coughing, burning down the throat. About 2 hrs later I developed a nasty cough. I continue to cough quite a bit and esophogus is tender. Lungs seem to be filled with gunk. Am I in trouble? Do I have some sort of chemical pneumonia?
Mon, 13 Mar 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

The mixture can cause respiratory complications. It is not likely that you have pneumonia though the lungs and other aspects of the airways are likely inflamed as a result of the chemical.

In most cases, the symptoms resolve after a few hours though it can go up to 24 to 48 hours for some persons.

Treatment: (1)you need to stay in a well ventilated area for a few hours at least
(2)since it is an inflammatory reaction, though not an entirely allergic response, anti histamines and anti inflammatory pain medication may help
Anti inflammatory medication include naproxen, cataflam, ibuprofen

If there is no improvement or you notice deterioration, then you may need a short course of steroids.

I hope this helps
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How Can Cough And Runny Nose Cause By Chemical Exposure Be Treated?

HI, thanks for using healthcare magic The mixture can cause respiratory complications. It is not likely that you have pneumonia though the lungs and other aspects of the airways are likely inflamed as a result of the chemical. In most cases, the symptoms resolve after a few hours though it can go up to 24 to 48 hours for some persons. Treatment: (1)you need to stay in a well ventilated area for a few hours at least (2)since it is an inflammatory reaction, though not an entirely allergic response, anti histamines and anti inflammatory pain medication may help Anti inflammatory medication include naproxen, cataflam, ibuprofen If there is no improvement or you notice deterioration, then you may need a short course of steroids. I hope this helps