Symptoms of chlorine gas poisoning
Sep 29, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
Symptoms of chlorine gas poisoning mainly include eye pain and tearing, nausea and vomiting, coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. If chlorine gas poisoning is suspected, the individual should immediately leave the contaminated environment and move to an area with fresh air. Severely poisoned individuals must seek immediate medical attention and receive treatments such as oxygen therapy and anti-inflammatory measures under a doctor's guidance.
The main symptoms of chlorine gas poisoning include eye pain and tearing, nausea and vomiting, coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Eye pain and tearing: Chlorine gas is highly irritating. When it comes into contact with the eyes, it can cause redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, pain, and reflexive tearing. In severe cases, it may even lead to corneal damage.
2. Nausea and vomiting: Chlorine gas and its metabolites can irritate the mucous membranes of the digestive tract. After inhalation, in addition to affecting the respiratory system, it may also stimulate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to nausea and vomiting.
3. Coughing: Chlorine gas irritates the respiratory mucosa, triggering a cough reflex. The cough may be dry or productive (with phlegm), and in severe cases may be accompanied by wheezing.
4. Chest pain: Irritation of the respiratory tract by chlorine gas may also cause pain behind the sternum or in the chest. The severity of the pain may increase with the degree of poisoning.
5. Difficulty breathing: Chlorine gas can cause bronchospasm, leading to airway narrowing. Patients may experience chest tightness and shortness of breath; in severe cases, respiratory failure may occur.
If chlorine gas poisoning is suspected, the individual should immediately leave the contaminated environment and move to an area with fresh air. Severely poisoned individuals must seek immediate medical attention and receive treatments such as oxygen therapy and anti-inflammatory measures under a doctor's guidance.
