What happens when you inhale
Volatile hydrocarbons dissolve in fats, and nerve tissue is rich in them, so the substance reaches the brain almost instantly. The first minutes are accompanied by excitement, laughter, and a feeling of lightness, then lethargy, loss of coordination, slurred speech, and sometimes hallucinations set in. The effect does not last long, so inhalation is often repeated many times, increasing the concentration of vapors. It is at these moments that the main risk arises: the heart becomes sensitive to adrenaline, and any physical activity or fear can cause a fatal rhythm disorder.
- The substance quickly enters the brain through the lungs
- Brief intoxication with euphoria
- Lethargy, unsteadiness, slurred speech
- Repeated inhalation increases the toxic effect
- Risk of sudden cardiac arrest
- Choking when using a bag on the head
Signs that parents should be wary of
Parents usually notice not the fact of use itself, but its traces. The chemical smell from clothes, hair and breath, empty cans, glue tubes, soaked rags or bags found at home are alarming. The appearance changes: irritation and rash around the mouth and nose, redness of the eyes, pallor. Behavior also changes: the teenager becomes secretive, irritable, skips school, loses interest in previous activities, and a new company appears. Memory and attention often deteriorate, and speech becomes slow.
- Chemical smell from clothes and hair
- Empty cans, tubes, soaked rags
- Rash and irritation around the mouth and nose
- Eye redness, pallor, headaches
- Secretiveness, irritability, absenteeism
- Deterioration in memory and academic performance
Health implications
Regular inhalation destroys the myelin sheath of nerve fibers, causing coordination, memory, thinking and mood to suffer; With a long period of experience, the changes become irreversible and lead to a persistent decrease in intelligence. The toxic effect affects the liver and kidneys, causes bone marrow depression and anemia, and affects hearing and vision. A separate and most dangerous threat is sudden death from cardiac arrhythmias, which is possible at any time, regardless of length of use and dose.
- Persistent decline in memory and intelligence
- Cerebellar damage: unsteadiness and tremors
- Toxic hepatitis and kidney damage
- Anemia and suppression of hematopoiesis
- Decreased hearing and vision
- Sudden death from cardiac arrhythmia
Survey
There is no specific analysis for most volatile substances in a regular laboratory, so the diagnosis is made by examination, conversation and data from loved ones. The purpose of the survey is to assess the damage caused. They check liver enzymes, kidney function indicators, a general blood test to detect anemia and suppression of hematopoiesis, and do an ECG. If coordination, memory and behavior are impaired, an examination by a neurologist and an MRI of the brain are prescribed. An assessment of mental status, including mood and risk of self-harm, is required.
- Examination by a narcologist and conversation with the family
- General blood test
- Liver enzymes and kidney function tests
- ECG
- Neurologist consultation
- MRI of the brain for persistent disorders
Treatment and prevention
The first condition is complete cessation of contact with the substance and a safe environment. In case of acute poisoning, care is provided in the hospital: oxygen, heart rate control, breathing support. Then they treat the consequences - liver damage, anemia, neurological disorders. The key part of the work is psychological: individual and family psychotherapy, restoration of studies, changing social circles, employment and sports. It is important for parents to avoid two extremes: silence and harsh punishment. A conversation without accusations and timely contact with a specialist works better than threats.
- Complete cessation of contact with the substance
- Emergency care for poisoning
- Treatment of liver, blood, nervous system lesions
- Individual and family psychotherapy
- Change of environment, return to study and sports
- Controlling the storage of household chemicals at home