TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Inhalant Abuse A1 - Williams, Saralyn R. A1 - Thurman, R. Jason A2 - Knoop, Kevin J. A2 - Stack, Lawrence B. A2 - Storrow, Alan B. A2 - Thurman, R. Jason PY - 2021 T2 - The Atlas of Emergency Medicine, 5e AB - Inhalant abuse, the intentional inhalation of vapors for the purpose of becoming “high,” is more common among adolescents. Sniffing refers to the inhalation of the agent directly from a container, such as model airplane glue. Huffing involves placing solvent on some type of fabric and inhaling the vapors from the fabric. Bagging is the name given to the technique of spraying the solvent into a bag and then rebreathing from the bag. Occasionally the bag is placed over the head, potentially resulting in asphyxiant death. Inhalants are rapidly absorbed via the lungs and readily cross the blood-brain barrier. Initial effects include euphoria and occasional hallucinations. CNS depression may occur. Acute cardiotoxicity may also occur and is thought to be the cause of “sudden sniffing death.” The cause of death is thought to be due to increased myocardial sensitization that promotes dysrhythmogenesis in the setting of a catecholamine surge. A defatting dermatitis may be evident on the hands due to chronic exposure to solvents. Chronic effects from inhalant abuse include leukoencephalopathy, cardiomyopathy, cerebellar degeneration, and neuropathy. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/03/28 UR - accessemergencymedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1181056836 ER -