A Rare Case of Chlorine Inhalation-induced Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

Chlorine (Cl 2 ) exposure-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is rarely reported in clinical practice. Here, we report a case of a 45-year-old male patient presented with complaints of sudden onset of cough and breathing difficulties, which started after accidental inhalation of fumes coming from bleaching powder. The patient developed chlorine inhalation-induced ARDS and severe hypoxemia. The patient was well managed with early systemic corticosteroids along with bronchodilator and other supportive care. Hence, supportive therapy along with early systemic corticosteroid can be helpful in moderate-to-severe chlorine inhalation-induced ARDS patients requiring mechanical ventilation support, if carefully selected.