Acute respiratory distress syndrome from chlorine inhalation during a swimming pool accident: a case report and review of the literature. 2008

Rajesh V Babu, and Victor Cardenas, and Gulshan Sharma
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, Immunology, Critical Care, and Sleep, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA.

Chlorine inhalation can result in significant morbidity and mortality. The most common clinical ramification is mucosal irritation. Rarely, depending upon the degree of exposure, patients can develop acute respiratory distress syndrome. Management is usually supportive with an unproven role for inhaled or systemic corticosteroids. A case of a young woman who developed respiratory failure secondary to acute respiratory distress syndrome from accidental exposure to chlorine fumes at a community swimming pool is described. The patient suffered a prolonged hospitalization with the need for mechanical ventilation. Despite limited data to support the decision, the patient was started on treatment with corticosteroids. She recovered completely from her illness and was discharged home without supplemental oxygen. A concise discussion of chlorine inhalation injury and a literature review on the utility of inhaled and/or systemic corticosteroids for this clinical entity is presented.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008775 Methylprednisolone A PREDNISOLONE derivative with similar anti-inflammatory action. 6-Methylprednisolone,Medrol,Metipred,Urbason,6 Methylprednisolone
D012121 Respiration, Artificial Any method of artificial breathing that employs mechanical or non-mechanical means to force the air into and out of the lungs. Artificial respiration or ventilation is used in individuals who have stopped breathing or have RESPIRATORY INSUFFICIENCY to increase their intake of oxygen (O2) and excretion of carbon dioxide (CO2). Ventilation, Mechanical,Mechanical Ventilation,Artificial Respiration,Artificial Respirations,Mechanical Ventilations,Respirations, Artificial,Ventilations, Mechanical
D012128 Respiratory Distress Syndrome A syndrome characterized by progressive life-threatening RESPIRATORY INSUFFICIENCY in the absence of known LUNG DISEASES, usually following a systemic insult such as surgery or major TRAUMA. ARDS, Human,Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome,Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome,Pediatric Respiratory Distress Syndrome,Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Acute,Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult,Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Pediatric,Shock Lung,Distress Syndrome, Respiratory,Distress Syndromes, Respiratory,Human ARDS,Lung, Shock,Respiratory Distress Syndromes,Syndrome, Respiratory Distress
D002713 Chlorine An element with atomic symbol Cl, atomic number 17, and atomic weight 35, and member of the halogen family. Chlorine Gas,Chlorine-35,Cl2 Gas,Chlorine 35,Gas, Chlorine,Gas, Cl2
D004630 Emergencies Situations or conditions requiring immediate intervention to avoid serious adverse results. Emergency
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000059 Accidents Unexpected and unintentional events, typically resulting in ACCIDENTAL INJURIES. Accident
D001239 Inhalation The act of BREATHING in. Inhaling,Inspiration, Respiratory,Respiratory Inspiration
D013551 Swimming Pools Excavations or containment structures filled with water and used for swimming. Pool, Swimming,Pools, Swimming,Swimming Pool

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