Irritant gas poisoning - Chlorine, formol, ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, etc.

Medium urgency
-Moderately severe
Irritant gases are those that are characterized by their damaging effect on the airways. Their irritant action not only affects the respiratory system but also acts on other mucous membranes that they come into contact with. Poisoning is caused by exposure to the poison, either accidentally or with suicidal purposes. The most significant consequence of exposure to irritant gas is acute respiratory failure, although there are other types of symptoms depending on the route of entry. For diagnosis, clinical suspicion and complete physical examination are needed, since the definitive diagnosis is made later. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive depending on the organs and systems affected.
Bibliographic references
  1. Ronald P Mlcak, PhD, MBA, RRT, FAARC. Inhalation injury from heat, smoke, or chemical irritants. UpToDate. Mar 15, 2016.
  2. emedicine.medscape.com/article/771194-overview (Accessed on November 23, 2015).
  3. Rehberg S, Maybauer MO, Enkhbaatar P, et al. Pathophysiology, management and treatment of smoke inhalation injury. Expert Rev Respir Med 2009; 3:283.
  4. José Ignacio García Sánchez, Jara Llenas, Virginia Melgar Molero. Intoxicaciones. Manual de diagnóstico y terapéutica médica Hospital Universitario 12 de octubre. 6ª edición. 2007. 1097:1110.
  5. Indalecio Morán, Jaume Baldirà, Luís Marruecos, Santiago Nogué. Intoxicación por gases irritantes: cloro, sulfhídrico y gases nitrosos. Intoxicación clínica. Capítulo 26. Páginas 323-331. Grupo Difusión. 
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Symptoms

    Shortness of breath at rest


    Obstructed passage of air through airway causes noise


    Difficult breathing


    Both eyes red


    Significant eye watering

Pre-hospital care recommendations

Leave the area immediately and seek fresh air.
Call medical assistance for instructions.