I was changing the cat litter the yesterday, and was engulfed by a huge dust cloud from the litter. I accidentally breathed a lot of the dirty litter dust in, and today I have a burning in my lungs which feels like an infection that is spreading to my throat. Has anyone else ever accidentally breathed in dirty litter dust and gotten sick?
2007-09-03 20:36:02 · 5 answers · asked by notsheila 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
It can contain toxoplasmosis when it's dirty. Be careful with particulate matter too. You don't want dust in your lungs. Pour slowly.
2007-09-03 20:40:31 · answer #1 · answered by 354gr 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unless a doctor tells you to, don't take antibiotics, it won't help and you'll just be worse off from the side effects.
Yes, toxoplasmosis is a risk, but unlikely to affect your lungs. It's the particulate matter you breathed. Even if it were clean litter, it still wouldn't be a good thing. If the stuff makes it all the way into your lungs, it won't get out. Which is why it's so bad. Hopefully it's all in your throat. Have a lot of hot tea, and see if that makes you feel better. If not, I'd call the doctor. Have you ever had asthma?
I'm not sure if the fact that it was dirty litter would matter. It might.
(Minor EDITs:)
I've certainly accidentally breathed way too much cat litter of different varieties. Usually clean, though not always. It caused discomfort, but I couldn't tell anything after a few minutes.
2007-09-04 03:56:48 · answer #2 · answered by Alex 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't worry too much if I accidentally inhaled the dust, unless I had symptoms. But if you say you do have symptoms, it is a good idea to take antibiotics (Amoxicillin) for 4 days, as a precaution, and if you don't feel well in 1-2 days go to the hospital for an Xray.
As for toxoplasmosis, it is true that dirty litter can have it, but unless you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant within the next 4 months there is no problem.
2007-09-04 03:42:07 · answer #3 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Clay litter is the scourge of the earth. By itself clean or otherwise it is carcinogenic. I stopped using it in 1996. I had pneumonia and the clay litter just aggravated it......never again.
Gargle with salt water or a commercial product for temporary relief. If you value your health get yourself some medical care.
And stop buying clay litter get something like yesterday's news, feline pine, or world's best cat litter, a corn based product
2007-09-04 04:51:43 · answer #4 · answered by chicki 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heard that pregnant woman should not handle cat litter.
2007-09-04 03:40:34 · answer #5 · answered by s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋