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Nebulized Sodium Bicarbonate in the Treatment of Chlorine Gas Inhalation

1994; Marcel Dekker; Volume: 32; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.3109/15563659409017956

1097-9875

George M. Bosse,

Occupational exposure and asthma

In this two year retrospective review, 86 cases of chlorine gas inhalation from 49 medical facilities were treated with nebulized sodium bicarbonate on the recommendation of the Kentucky Regional Poison Center. Typical manifestations included cough, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and wheezing. No patients developed pulmonary edema or respiratory insufficiency requiring ventilatory support. Sixty-three cases (73.3%) were exposures to chlorine producing acid/hypochlorite mixtures. Six (7.0%) were exposed to chlorine gas in industrial settings. Twelve (14.0%) were exposed to chlorine gas in swimming pool settings. Sixty-nine (80.2%) were treated and released from the emergency department. In 53 patients, clinical condition was clearly improved on emergency department discharge. Seventeen (19.8%) were admitted to the hospital. All admitted patients gradually improved and had a mean hospital stay of 1.4 days (range 1 to 3 days). No patients in this study deteriorated clinically after nebulized sodium bicarbonate use. Nebulized sodium bicarbonate appears safe and merits prospective evaluation in the therapy of chlorine gas inhalation.