Acute Inhalation Injury With Evidence of Diffuse Bronchiolitis Following Chlorine Gas Exposure at a Swimming Pool

Abstract

A previously healthy 23-year-old man with nonproductive cough and sore throat presented to the hospital a few hours after chlorine gas exposure at a fitness center swimming pool. Initial physical examination and chest radiograph were normal. Thirty-six hours later he developed worsening dyspnea and cough, with development of blood-tinged sputum. Arterial blood gas analysis showed mild hypoxemia and a subsequent chest radiograph demonstrated diffuse tiny nodular opacities. Findings on a thin-section computed tomogram of the chest were consistent with diffuse bronchiolitis. Pulmonary function tests showed a mild obstructive abnormality and he demonstrated substantial bronchodilator response. The patient was treated with oral corticosteroids and an inhaled β₂ agonist, to which he responded well, with full clinical recovery occurring over 5 months. This manifestation of chlorine gas exposure at a swimming pool is unusual.