Bronchospasm should be treated appropriately as should secondary bacterial infection. Early steroid therapy has been considered efficacious by some and, when used, steroids should be given in high doses similar to those used in the treatment of phosgene exposure and exposure to other lung damaging agents. Adequate analgesia is recommended. The prognosis is related entirely to the extent of the pulmonary damage. All exposed individuals should be kept under observation for 8 hours.
Most individuals recover in a few days.
At moderate exposures, some symptoms may persist for 1 to 2 weeks. In severe exposures, survivors may have reduced pulmonary function for some months after exposure. The severely exposed patient may progressively develop marked dyspnoea, cyanosis and die. In moderate concentrations it is highly irritating to the eyes, nose and skin. The respirator should be worn in all concentrations which are sufficient to cause any cough, irritation of the eyes or prickling of the skin.