Dr. Michael Fitzgerald, Pediatrician, Riverview Hospital
Sniffing, snorting, huffing…oh my! Sounds more like allergy season in Indiana than the serious problem it is. These are all terms for using inhalants. Inhalants are sprays, liquids and chemicals that produce a quick high when absorbed into the bloodstream using one of the easiest and quickest ways—through the lungs. They’re common household products lurking in your pantry, bathroom, garage and even your laundry room. It’s an under-reported, but dangerous and deadly vice that affects many teens and young adults.
What are the different types of inhalants? Group I is full of solvents, fuels and anesthetics—commonly known as paint thinner, nail-polish remover, felt-tip markers, glues, rubber cement, gasoline, aerosols and butane lighters. Group II includes nitrous oxide used in propellants for cake decorators and Rediwhip. Group III consists of nitrites that are used to control blood pressure.
How are inhalants used? People sniff, snort or “huff” the substance out of its original container or sneak it into a common container like a soda can. They may also pour a volatile chemical onto a rag and sniff it. Or they’ll put it on their shirt collar or cuff and sniff from that.
Who’s most likely to use inhalants? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition, the typical age range of users is 12 to 25 years old, with the peak being kids aged 14 and 15. And some children have been known to start as early as age six (“smell these markers”). There’s no difference between male and female use in kids aged 12 to 17, but more males use from age 18 to 25. Caucasians seem to have the highest use and Hispanics the lowest, but research show it’s more related to social-economic factors than race.
Why do people use inhalants? People use inhalants for many reasons. They’re inexpensive, legal and generally raise little suspicion. And they produce a quick high that feels good, quickly disappears and usually has minimal hangover effects.
So what? Initial side effects of inhalant abuse can include slurred speech, dizziness, pupil changes, stumbling and disorientation. The nitrite class can cause flushing, warmth and throbbing of the skin, headaches and an abnormally fast heart rate. Inhalant abuse is associated with increased depression, suicide, criminal behavior, incarceration, family dysfunction and can lead to greater injectable drug use, such as cocaine and heroin. Continued, long-term use can also lead to kidney toxicity and failure, as well as central nervous system (brain) toxicity.
But that’s not even the worse-case scenario. In some instances, death can occur if the person passes out and suffocates, gets into an accident or chokes on their own vomit while unconscious. A known syndrome called “Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome” is usually caused by an irregular heart rhythm. This can happen the first, tenth or one-hundredth time someone uses an inhalant. And research shows that 22 percent of all inhalant deaths happened in teens that had no prior history of inhalant abuse.
How can you detect it? You should be aware of an overabundance of new or empty chemical products. No one needs 200 markers, 10 cans of whipped cream or 30 bottles of nail-polish remover. Look for common products in uncommon places, such as a can of gasoline under the bed. Watch for changes in behavior, mood, appetite, grades and circles of friends. Keep an eye out for poor hygiene, weight loss, recurrent nose bleeds, mouth ulcers or constant runny nose not related to allergies. With extended use, teens may start to smell like the inhalant via their sweat.
What if you detect it? In an acute episode with an apparent medical problem, try to keep yourself and the user calm. Researchers know a sudden spike in adrenaline can trigger a dysrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm. Get them to an ER or poison center immediately. If you suspect long-term use, abuse, or addiction, you should talk with your physician or an addiction treatment center.
The best defense is a good offense that includes education and prevention. It’s also important to limit the access and availability of these products when possible. For more information, please visit the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition at or the National Capital Poison Center.