Opinion Review
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2021.
World J Crit Care Med. May 9, 2021; 10(3): 43-46
Published online May 9, 2021. doi: 10.5492/wjccm.v10.i3.43
Table 1 List of common volatile substances used as inhalants
Classification
Inhalant compounds
AerosolsSpray paints; hairspray; deodorant; vegetable oil spray; fabric protector spray; shoe-shine spray
Organic solventsGlue; paint thinner; gasoline; nail polish remover; dry-cleaning fluid; correction fluid
GasesAnesthetics (e.g., ether, chloroform, halothane, ethyl chloride, nitrous oxide); propane; butane (cigarette lighter fluid); refrigerants; whipped cream dispensers
NitritesAmyl nitrite; video head cleaner; room odorizer; leather cleaner; liquid aroma
Table 2 Systemic side-effects of ethyl chloride abuse
System involved
Effects
NeurologicalEuphoria; visual hallucinations; confusion; dizziness; impaired short-term memory; ataxia; nystagmus; dysarthria; lack of muscle coordination; grand mal seizure; unconsciousness
RespiratoryRespiratory paralysis (rare)
CardiovascularCardiac depression; sensitization to endogenous and exogenous epinephrine; ventricular tachycardia; ventricular fibrillation; asystole
GastrointestinalAbdominal cramps; nausea/vomiting
HematologicalCyanosis
HepaticHepatomegaly; transient deranged liver function test; elevated serum alanine aminotransferase
OcularMild eye irritation
DermalContact dermatitis (rare)