sodium-hypochlorite and Respiratory-Sounds

Dettol (4.8% chloroxylenol, 9% pine oil and 12% isopropyl alcohol) has previously been reported to cause delayed upper airway obstruction when ingested, despite the product being labelled as non-poisonous. Domestos (1-5% sodium hypochlorite) is used as a household and toilet cleaner. This paper reports a rare case in which both agents were consumed together in significant quantities, and caused stridor and impending airway obstruction requiring endotracheal intubation in the emergency department. Patients who have ingested this combination of cleaning agents are at high risk of acute airway compromise, and should have expert upper airway evaluation and control as soon as possible after admission.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Aged; Airway Obstruction; Emergency Medical Services; Female; Humans; Poisoning; Respiratory Sounds; Sodium Hypochlorite; Treatment Outcome; Xylenes

Hypochlorite-containing disinfectants or bleaching fluids, if inhaled, may lead to life-threatening poisoning (56% of moderately severe cases, 5% of severe cases) through the immediate liberation of chlorine gas, if they are used together with another cleansing fluid which is very acid. A rough estimate suggests that there must be about 700 cases of such poisonings per year in the Federal Republic of Germany. The characteristic symptom is a respiratory distress syndrome when the liberated chlorine gas is inhaled. Toxic pulmonary oedema and cardiovascular failure can occur if the poisoning takes a fulminating course.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Cough; Diagnosis-Related Groups; Disinfectants; Dyspnea; Germany, West; Humans; Nausea; Respiratory Sounds; Retrospective Studies; Sodium Hypochlorite; Vomiting