Inhalant

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Inhalant
Synonyms	Solvent abuse, volatile substance abuse
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Euphoria, dizziness, hallucinations, nausea, vomiting
Complications	Brain damage, organ failure, sudden sniffing death syndrome
Onset	Rapid
Duration	Minutes to hours
Types	Nitrous oxide, glue, paint thinner, aerosols
Causes	Inhalation of volatile substances
Risks	Adolescence, peer pressure, availability of substances
Diagnosis	Clinical evaluation, history of use
Differential diagnosis	Alcohol intoxication, drug overdose
Prevention	Education, reducing availability
Treatment	Supportive care, counseling, rehabilitation
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, risk of long-term damage
Frequency	Common among adolescents
Deaths	N/A

Overview of inhalant use and its effects

Inhalant use refers to the intentional inhalation of chemical vapors to achieve a psychoactive or mind-altering effect. Inhalants are a diverse group of substances that include volatile solvents, aerosols, gases, and nitrites. These substances are often found in household products, making them easily accessible, particularly to young people.

Types of Inhalants

Inhalants can be categorized into several types based on their chemical composition and effects:

• Volatile Solvents: These are liquids that vaporize at room temperature. Common examples include paint thinners, gasoline, and glue.
• Aerosols: These are sprays that contain propellants and solvents. Examples include spray paints, deodorant sprays, and hair sprays.
• Gases: These include medical anesthetics such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and gases used in household or commercial products like butane lighters and propane tanks.
• Nitrites: These are often used as sexual enhancers and include substances like amyl nitrite and butyl nitrite. They are commonly referred to as "poppers."

Chemical structure of a nitrite group.

Mechanism of Action

Inhalants act primarily by depressing the central nervous system, leading to effects similar to those of alcohol intoxication. The exact mechanism can vary depending on the specific substance, but generally, inhalants alter neurotransmitter activity in the brain, affecting mood, perception, and behavior.

Health Effects

The use of inhalants can have both short-term and long-term health effects:

• Short-term effects: These include dizziness, euphoria, slurred speech, and impaired coordination. In severe cases, inhalant use can lead to sudden sniffing death syndrome, which is cardiac arrest caused by a sudden surge of adrenaline.
• Long-term effects: Chronic use can result in damage to the brain, liver, kidneys, and other organs. Cognitive impairments, memory loss, and motor skill deficits are common among long-term users.

Prevalence and Demographics

Inhalant use is most prevalent among adolescents and young adults, partly due to the accessibility of these substances. Surveys indicate that inhalant use is often one of the first forms of substance abuse among young people.

Prevention and Treatment

Preventing inhalant use involves education and awareness programs targeted at young people, parents, and educators. Treatment for inhalant abuse may include behavioral therapies, counseling, and support groups. Addressing underlying psychological issues is also crucial in the treatment process.

Also see

• Substance abuse
• Volatile substance abuse
• Nitrous oxide
• Psychoactive drugs

Chemical structure of nitrous oxide.