Some patients exposed to tear gas may have serious complications. They may need to be seen in the Emergency Department or admitted to the hospital.
Patients who should be evaluated in the Emergency Department:
(1) very young or very old
(2) loss of consciousness
(3) ocular injury (should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist)
(4) severe dermatitis
(5) prolonged exposure to the tear gas
(6) presence of one or more comorbid conditions
(7) dyspnea
(8) swallowing the tear gas liquid
(9) significant traumatic injury
A patient with dyspnea is at risk for delayed pulmonary edema. The patient should either be admitted for observation or discharged home with instructions to return if dyspnea worsens.
Swallowing of the tear gas can be associated with a serious intoxication. The patient should be admitted to the hospital for decontamination.
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