Can chlorine gas poisoning cause severe asphyxiation?
May 16, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
Chlorine gas poisoning can cause severe suffocation in patients. The eyes and upper respiratory tract react rapidly, leading to intense coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, and drowsiness. Pulmonary edema may develop within one hour of inhalation. Within 12 hours, patients may experience difficulty breathing and increased heart rate; severe cases can result in asphyxiation and coma.
Chlorine poisoning can cause severe suffocation in patients. The specific analysis is as follows:
Chlorine poisoning commonly occurs due to chlorine gas leakage in chemical plants, leading to inhalation of large amounts of chlorine by workers and nearby residents, resulting in poisoning. Since chlorine is a highly irritating gas, upon inhalation, the eyes and upper respiratory tract react rapidly, causing symptoms such as severe coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, and drowsiness. Pulmonary edema may develop within one hour after exposure. Within 12 hours, patients may experience difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, and other symptoms. Severe cases can lead to suffocation and coma, and may also trigger complications such as respiratory failure and heart failure.
Therefore, once chlorine poisoning occurs, prompt medical treatment at a hospital is necessary. Treatment under a doctor's guidance may include glucocorticoid nebulization, inhalation of 5% sodium bicarbonate, or injection of aminophylline. If complications arise from chlorine poisoning, additional treatments tailored to specific conditions are required. Delayed treatment may pose serious threats to the patient's life.
