How do inhalants affect the body

Would you drink these products? Then why would you inhale them? Here are just five of the problems that inhalants can cause:. For more about the types of inhalants and the dangers associated with each type, visit our Drug Facts page on inhalants.

PDF documents require the free Adobe Reader. The brain is not the only organ that can be damaged. Inhalants have been found highly toxic to the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys.

NIDA research indicates that inhalant abuse while pregnant can result in reduced birth weights, occasional skeletal abnormalities, and delayed neurobehavioral development among other effects. Case studies have shown that children of women who abused inhalants during pregnancy were developmentally impaired.

Research has not, however, linked any inhalants to specific birth defects or developmental problems. The dangers of abusing nitrites, known as "poppers," arise from exposure to the substance itself as well as from behaviors associated with the use of the drugs.

Known side-effects of nonmedical use of nitrite inhalants include skin and tracheobronchial irritation; acute toxicity mediated by conditions known as hypokinetic anoxia and methemoglobinemia; and associated disorders of blood and blood-forming organs.

In most cases, nitrites are used by older adolescents and adults in an attempt to enhance sexual function and pleasure. Additionally, animal studies have shown that the use of nitrites depletes cells in the user's immune system and impairs the body's mechanisms for fighting infectious diseases.

Therefore, researchers have concluded that nitrite abuse may be linked to the development and progression of infectious diseases and tumors. One animal study found that even a small number of exposures to butyl nitrite results in dramatic increases in tumor development and growth. Actually, a higher percentage of girls than boys abuse inhalants, also known as huffing, according to the latest government statistics.

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National Institute on Drug Abuse. Drug Facts: Inhalants. Updated February Research Report Series: Inhalants.

Updated July Inhalant abuse and dependence among adolescents in the United States. National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Understanding Adolescent Inhalant Use. Inhalant use and inhalant use disorders in the United States. Addict Sci Clin Pract. Alliance for Consumer Education. Signs of abuse.

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What Are Inhalants? What Are the Patterns of Inhalant Abuse? Girls Abuse Inhalants, Too Other research shows patterns of gender differences in the use of inhalants. What Is the Scope of Inhalant Misuse? How Are Inhalants Used? Effects Only Last a Few Minutes The "high" inhalant users achieve is short-lived, usually only lasting a few minutes. Short-Term Effects Depending on the kind of solvent or gas, inhalants can produce additional effects, which can include: Apathy Belligerence Depressed reflexes Dizziness Drowsiness Euphoria Impaired functioning Impaired judgment Inability to coordinate movements Nausea and vomiting Headache Lethargy Muscle weakness Slurred speech Stupor High dosages of inhalants can result in confusion or delirium.

Effects of Nitrites Unlike solvents and gases, nitrites act by dilating blood vessels and relaxing the smooth muscle in the vessels. Developing a Tolerance to Inhalants After prolonged use of inhalants, abusers report a strong need to continue using them. Coma : Sniffing can cause the brain to shut down almost all of its functions.

Choking : Abusers have died from inhaling their own vomit after sniffing. Convulsions or seizures : Inhalants can produce abnormal electrical discharges in the brain. Fatal injury : Intoxication from inhalants can cause fatal accidents.

Suffocation : This can occur when the user is inhaling from a plastic bag placed over the head. Most Inhalants Are Toxic NIDA research shows that most substances used as inhalants are very toxic and chronic exposure to them can result in damage to the brain and nervous system. Inhaling While Pregnant NIDA research indicates that inhalant abuse while pregnant can result in reduced birth weights, occasional skeletal abnormalities, and delayed neurobehavioral development among other effects.

Are Girls Involved in Huffing Inhalants? Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign Up. Others, however, can be absorbed by fatty tissue in the brain and central nervous system.

These chemicals can cause serious damage to the liver, kidneys and even bone marrow. In some cases, inhalants can cut off oxygen to the brain, causing brain damage. Not only is it possible to overdose from inhalants, but a fatal overdose can occur after a single use.

Indirect overdose, such as suffocation with a plastic bag can cause suffocation, is also a risk. Moreover, decreased situational awareness puts users at greater risk of injury or accidents, such as falling. While high, users may engage in unsafe activities like driving or having unsafe sex. Need to talk to someone today? Because most users of inhalants are minors, it is important for parents and family members to recognize the signs of use. Listen for common terms, such as sniffing, huffing, bagging or snorting , and be mindful of how you store and track substances that may be used to inhale.

It is also important to communicate with adolescents and teens about the dangers of using inhalants. Although inhalants are not typically addictive, some people can indeed experience a physical need to use and withdrawal symptoms when they stop. In both cases, it is important to seek treatment. Aside from the dangerous side-effects, inhalants are also a common gateway drug, leading to alcohol and drug use later in life.

Early intervention and treatment can help those who have become dependent on inhalants, whether physically or emotionally, to avoid later drug use by providing the tools to manage stress and guidance toward healthy living. The Sprout Health Group editorial team is passionate about addiction treatment, recovery and mental health issues. Every article is expert-reviewed.

What are inhalants? Below is a deeper look at each category: Solvents Solvents include some of the most easily obtained inhalants, including magic markers, glue, correctional fluid like White-Out, paint thinner and lighter fluid. Aerosols Aerosols refer to sprays in a pressurized can that are released with propellant gas.