Inhalant abuse

Abstract

Inhalants include any gaseous, liquid and even solid substances at room temperature or under heating, that are easily volatilized, and used in such physical states for recreational purposes. It is a global problem, as children and adolescents often use them abusively, since these substances are widely and easily available in common products. Their gases and vapors enter the body through inhalation, and can be extremely harmful to the user, as they act on various organs and tissues, promoting acute toxicity, which in extreme cases can result in death. Furthermore, the chronic use has been correlated with the development of deleterious changes that increase the odds of developing chronic and degenerative diseases. Given that Brazil is one of the countries with the highest incidence of these substances abuse, and taking into account the little attention given to this matter, we decided to write this article for a better understanding of the consequences of inhalant abuse.