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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Long Will Shortness Of Breath And Throat Irritation Last After Inhaling CLR And Bleach Fumes?

Yesterday I accidentally mixed clr and bleach while cleaning my small not very well ventilated bathroom and didn t realize till I had burning throat hard time breathing and almost passed out luckily I went to the er they gave me steroid liquid on my mouth and did a breathing treatment and sent me home with albuterol inhaler today I m having shortness of breath and irritated burning throat and super tired even after using the albuteral how long should I expect this to go on for
posted on Wed, 6 Dec 2023
Twitter Thu, 24 Jul 2025 Answered on
Twitter Sun, 3 Aug 2025 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

The duration of symptoms depends on the amount of toxic vapors inhaled; it also depends on the ventilation at that time. Your baseline lung health (e.g., asthma, allergies, etc.) or healthy lungs will play a role in recovery. Burning in the throat/mouth may continue for 1–5 days (it may linger if there was severe exposure), and cough or shortness of breath may last for 2–7 days (it can last weeks if the lungs are inflamed).

Fatigue is likely to be felt for a week depending on inflammation, but wheezing may persist for weeks. Since you are already experiencing shortness of breath and throat burning despite treatment, it suggests your airways are still inflamed. The fatigue is also common because your body is trying to recover from chemical inhalation injury.

Keep yourself well hydrated; it helps soothe inflamed airways. Take a lot of rest, as extreme fatigue is common after lung irritation. Avoid exertion or any exposure to fumes, smoke, or cold air. Humidifier/steam inhalation may soothe throat and lungs.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr Nupur K., General & Family Physician
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How Long Will Shortness Of Breath And Throat Irritation Last After Inhaling CLR And Bleach Fumes?

Hello, The duration of symptoms depends on the amount of toxic vapors inhaled; it also depends on the ventilation at that time. Your baseline lung health (e.g., asthma, allergies, etc.) or healthy lungs will play a role in recovery. Burning in the throat/mouth may continue for 1–5 days (it may linger if there was severe exposure), and cough or shortness of breath may last for 2–7 days (it can last weeks if the lungs are inflamed). Fatigue is likely to be felt for a week depending on inflammation, but wheezing may persist for weeks. Since you are already experiencing shortness of breath and throat burning despite treatment, it suggests your airways are still inflamed. The fatigue is also common because your body is trying to recover from chemical inhalation injury. Keep yourself well hydrated; it helps soothe inflamed airways. Take a lot of rest, as extreme fatigue is common after lung irritation. Avoid exertion or any exposure to fumes, smoke, or cold air. Humidifier/steam inhalation may soothe throat and lungs. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr Nupur K., General & Family Physician