You have been exposed to chemical fumes. This may cause symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, eye, nose, and throat irritation, and upper chest pain. It may also cause nausea, headache, and dizziness. The treatment is to breathe fresh air. Symptoms should go away completely within 24 hours. If lung damage has occurred, you may need more treatment.
Home care
-
Breathe fresh air for the next few hours. Stay out of closed spaces with poor air flow.
-
Don't use any cleaning products, paints, mineral spirits, or other volatile chemicals. Stay away from areas where these things are being used.
-
Rest until you are feeling back to normal again. This may take up to 24 hours.
-
During the next 24 hours, don't smoke cigarettes. Also stay away from others who are smoking.
-
If this exposure occurred at work, contact your employer to make sure that work conditions are safe to return to. Correct safety equipment should be used at all times.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised.
When to seek medical advice
Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:
-
Headache, dizziness, or fainting
-
Confusion, drowsiness, or seizures
-
Cough with lots of mucus (sputum)
-
Fever of 100.4º F (38ºC) or higher, or as directed by your provider
Call 911
Call
-
Shortness of breath or wheezing gets worse
-
Chest pain gets worse
Online Medical Reviewer: Eric Perez MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Tara Novick BSN MSN
Date Last Reviewed: 08/01/2022
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Need Help? We're Here for You
Our Member Services team is here to help you understand your benefits, find care, or resolve concerns.
1-800-510-9132
Call NC Quitline
Need support to quit smoking, vaping, or to quit other nicotine products? You can receive support including medicines free of charge:
1-800-784-8669
Schedule Transportation
Need transportation to a doctor's office, pharmacy, or other covered healthcare service? Contact us to arrange your ride.
1-800-510-9132
Provider Directory
Need to find a provider like a Primary Care Physician, Specialist, OB/GYN, or a Psychiatrist?
Provider DirectoryRelated Articles
Acute Mountain Sickness (Altitude Illness)
Altitude illness can occur when a person travels to higher altitudes than their body is used to. As altitude rises, there is less oxygen in the air. The body then gets less oxygen with each breath.
Air Bag Injury
Air bags inflate at more than 100 mph. Because of this great force, the air bag may injure you when it strikes your body. Such injuries are usually minor scrapes and chemical burns to the face, hands, or arms. Here's what you need to know about home care.
Domestic Violence
If you are a victim of domestic violence, you are not alone. Learn what to do to get help and support.
Infected Insect Bite or Sting
When an insect stings you, it injects venom. When an insect bites you, it does not. Stings and bites may cause a local reaction. Or they may cause a reaction that affects your whole body. Bites and stings may become infected.
