Warning Signs of Inhalant Abuse

Parents and pediatricians should learn the warning signs of inhalant abuse, the potentially deadly inhalation of household products to get high.

Here are facts on inhalant abuse, published in the May edition of Pediatrics:

"Inhalant abuse may not readily come to the attention of others, including pediatricians, because signs and symptoms of use are often subtle," write Janet Williams, MD, and her colleagues.

Williams serves on the American Academy of Pediatrics' Committee on Substance Abuse. She and her colleagues describe possible warning signs of inhalant abuse.

"Abuse of inhalants should be suspected when a cache of a potential inhalant is discovered or when products with abuse potential are found stored in unusual locations, such as cans of gasoline or spray paint under a youth's bed," write the doctors.

Changes in behavior, worsening grades, poor hygiene, weight loss, fatigue, confusion, poor concentration, depression, irritability, hostility, or paranoia may also accompany inhalant abuse, note Williams and colleagues. However, those traits aren't necessarily due to inhalant abuse.

Pediatricians should watch for inhalant abuse in their patients; researchers should work to identify the most effective treatments for kids and teens who abuse inhalants, Williams' team writes.