What are inhalants?
Inhalants are solvents and aerosol sprays that are inhaled.
Their immediate negative effects include:
- nausea, sneezing, coughing
- nosebleeds
- fatigue
- lack of coordination
- loss of appetite
- decreased the heart rate
- decreased respiratory rate
- impaired judgment
- amyl and butyl nitrite cause rapid pulse, headaches, and involuntary passing of urine and faeces
Long-term effects may include:
- hepatitis
- disorientation
- violent behaviour
- weight loss
- fatigue
- electrolyte imbalance
- muscle fatigue
- permanent brain and nervous system damage
- unconsciousness
- death, primarily through suffocation (by displacing the oxygen in the lungs or by depressing the central nervous system to the point that breathing stops)
