Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I happened to breathe fumes from chemical exposure two days ago, got tightness in chest sternum and a little shortness of breath. When biking the next day and did fine. After riding a bike I had a little phlegm but now have irritated trachea and still a little tightness in sternum. It has been 48 hours, I can take a deep breath. Should I be more concerned?
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your concern. This kind of exposure can cause bronchitis. It is the inflammation of airways. This inflammation causes cough and bronchoconstriction which in turn cause wheezing, breathing difficulty, etc. All these events depend on many factors. But the most important factors are: 1. Amount of exposure. 2. Duration of exposure. 3. Smoking habit. 4. Underlying lung conditions present or not. So please let me know the answers to the above-asked questions so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
I had an organic repertory on. After one hour I started to feel tightness in the chest, so I took off the repertory and got away from the chemical. Right now, I feel inflammation in my trachea, a kind of like laryngitis. Oxygen saturation on pulse oximeter is 99%. I have no cough but still, I feel a little tight in my sternum. Should I consider Prednisone or let this heal on its own? And how long does it take? I do not smoke and I am in good health.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com. I can understand your concern. The way you are describing your exposure, I do not think you have any major risk. Better to wait and watch. No need for Prednisone. It will mostly heal on its own in two to three days. I hope this helps.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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