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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Cough And Headaches After Inhaling Raw Sewage

Our sewer main broke in the crawl space under the house, apparently a while ago. We have raw sewage and mold growing down there. I have had a cough, red itchy eyes, memory problems and headaches for about a year now. What kind of doctor do I need to see?
Tue, 21 Nov 2017
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Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hello
Thank you for trusting HCM

Dear raw sewage cause gas called hydrogen sulfide which causes its effects on body depending on its concentration. Exposure to low levels of this chemical can irritate the eyes, cause a cough or sore throat, shortness of breath, and fluid accumulation in the lungs. Prolonged low-level exposure may cause fatigue, pneumonia, loss of appetite, headaches, irritability, poor memory, and dizziness. High concentrations of hydrogen sulfide (>150 ppm) can produce olfactory fatigue, whereby the scent becomes undetectable. At higher concentrations (>300 ppm), hydrogen sulfide can cause loss of consciousness and death. Very high concentrations (>1000 ppm) can result in immediate collapse, occurring after a single breath. It may carry plenty of bacteria, viruses and fungal spores may cause respiratory problems. Please avoid the exposure you may get relieved this symptoms. If your symptoms not improved consult your doctor immediately.
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Suggest Treatment For Cough And Headaches After Inhaling Raw Sewage

Hello Thank you for trusting HCM Dear raw sewage cause gas called hydrogen sulfide which causes its effects on body depending on its concentration. Exposure to low levels of this chemical can irritate the eyes, cause a cough or sore throat, shortness of breath, and fluid accumulation in the lungs. Prolonged low-level exposure may cause fatigue, pneumonia, loss of appetite, headaches, irritability, poor memory, and dizziness. High concentrations of hydrogen sulfide ( 150 ppm) can produce olfactory fatigue, whereby the scent becomes undetectable. At higher concentrations ( 300 ppm), hydrogen sulfide can cause loss of consciousness and death. Very high concentrations ( 1000 ppm) can result in immediate collapse, occurring after a single breath. It may carry plenty of bacteria, viruses and fungal spores may cause respiratory problems. Please avoid the exposure you may get relieved this symptoms. If your symptoms not improved consult your doctor immediately.