concern

How concerned should I be after inhaling strong bleach fumes after cleaning the concrete floor.  I am coughing some causing my chest to hurt?  

[star queen]

Worse case scenario, bleach fumes can kill bacteria in the throat, nose, and mouth and cause a sore throat/bronchitis a couple of days after the inhalation.  When the bacteria is repopulated, the sorness will go away.  You won't die or anything, just be uncomfortable and in some pain.  Water with fresh lemon juice will sooth the throat while it heals.  Don't take antibiotics or you will lengthen the recovery time. If the inhalation wasn't too bad, nothing will occur.   good luck

[Enoch Choi, MD]

The safest thing next time is to call your local poison center, in the Unites States and its territories call 1-800-222-1222

http://www.aapcc.org/findyourcenter.htm

Dr. Enoch Choi, MD
Palo Alto, CA