Two Cases of Sodium Bicarbonate Inhalation Therapy in Chlorine Gas Intoxication

염소 가스 중독에서 나트륨 중탄산염의 흡입치료 2례

A chlorine gas is a common irritant and when exposed, it result in mild occular, oropharyngeal, or respiratory symptoms. In severe case, however, it may result in pulmonary edema, interstitial pneumonia, or respiratory failure. We report the case of 29-year-old and 46-year-old men is accidentally exposed to chlorine gas during cleaning water. The patients complained dyspnea, chest tightness, cough and both eye pain. During hospitalization, they were treated with inhalation of humidified oxygen, beta-adrenergic agonist and $2\%$ sodium bicarbonate. After several days, patients were discharged without respiratory symptoms and complication. In treatment of chlorine gas toxicity the inhalation of sodium bicarbonate is a possible initial therapy can improve respiratory symptoms in spite of lack of evidence.