Cough after breathing ammonia

A cough after exposure may come with burning of the eyes, nose or throat, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath. The severity depends on the concentration, ventilation, length of exposure and whether the person already has a lung condition. Symptoms can worsen after the person reaches fresh air.

Ammonia dissolves in moisture lining the eyes and respiratory tract, forming an irritating alkaline substance. This can inflame the throat and airways and trigger a protective cough. A substantial exposure may cause airway swelling, chemical injury or fluid accumulation in the lungs.

A cough that began without a clear chemical exposure has many other possible causes. Asthma, a common cold, acute bronchitis, allergic rhinitis and acid reflux can all present with coughing, so the timing and setting help a clinician narrow the cause.

Move into fresh air without entering a contaminated space to help someone else. Avoid running if exertion worsens breathing. If ammonia contacted the eyes or skin, remove contaminated clothing and rinse the affected area with plenty of clean, lukewarm water. Do not mix cleaning chemicals or try to neutralise the substance on the body.

Contact local emergency services or a poison information service for exposure-specific instructions, especially after an enclosed-space, workplace or concentrated-product incident. Keep the product label available if this can be done safely. A medical assessment may include oxygen measurement, chest examination and observation for delayed breathing problems.

Call emergency services for trouble breathing, noisy breathing, blue or grey lips, chest pain, confusion, collapse, severe wheezing, coughing up frothy fluid, or inability to speak comfortably. Prompt assessment is also warranted when cough or chest tightness is increasing after leaving the exposure area.

Describe the product, whether it was mixed with another cleaner, where the exposure occurred, how ventilation was arranged and when symptoms began. Mention asthma or other lung disease, eye or skin contact, and any first aid already given. Ask what delayed symptoms should bring you back for reassessment.