What Is Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome (SSDS)?

Sudden sniffing death syndrome (SSDS) is a fatal cardiac event caused by inhaling volatile chemical substances such as aerosol sprays, butane, propane, or nitrous oxide.

SSDS can occur on the very first exposure to an inhalant, even in young, otherwise healthy individuals. The mechanism involves sensitization of the myocardium to catecholamines, producing fatal cardiac arrhythmia during or immediately after inhalant use. No amount of inhalant exposure is considered medically safe.

Recognizing how SSDS occurs and which substances carry the highest risk can help prevent this entirely avoidable cause of death.

Inhalant Abuse: An Overview

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) defines an inhalant as “a volatile substance that produces chemical vapors that can be inhaled to induce a psychoactive, or mind-altering, effect.” Inhalants of abuse are substances found in easily accessible household products.

Commonly abused inhalants include:

• Paint thinner
• Aerosol sprays, including spray paint
• Whipped cream canisters
• Nitrous oxide
• Butane propane
• Gas
• Glue
• Markers
• Correction fluid
• Dry cleaning fluids
• Butyl nitrite, including video head cleaner and leather cleaner

Common inhalant abuse methods include:

• Spraying aerosols into the nose and mouth
• Dispensing a product into a plastic or paper bag and inhaling the fumes–sometimes called “bagging”
• Soaking a rag with chemicals and placing it over the nose and mouth–sometimes called “huffing”
• Breathing in fumes directly out of the container
• Inhaling nitrous oxide or other substances from a balloon

Abusing inhalants has many short and long-term risks. It is important to understand these risks and seek treatment for inhalant abuse as soon as you recognize a problem.

What is Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome (SSDS)?

Sudden sniffing death syndrome (SSDS) occurs when someone dies suddenly while abusing an inhalant. Medical professionals do not fully understand what causes SSDS. However, many health experts believe SSDS occurs when a person’s body goes into shock during inhalant abuse and suffers heart failure.

Heart failure can occur when the heart is deprived of oxygen. Inhalants prevent adequate blood flow and oxygen to the heart. Some medical professionals believe that inhalant abuse can decrease the heart’s resilience to adrenaline and other chemicals that are produced when people abuse inhalants. This may also contribute to cardiac arrest.

Abusing any inhalant can cause sudden sniffing death syndrome, but butane, propane, and aerosols have the highest risk.

In addition to the risk of SSDS, inhalant abuse can cause other severe problems, such as an increased risk of liver and kidney damage, brain damage, and cardiovascular problems. It is crucial to seek treatment for inhalant abuse as quickly as possible to avoid life-threatening harm.

Recognizing Inhalant Abuse

Recognizing inhalant abuse can help you find the treatment you need to start recovering from it. Inhalant abuse can cause noticeable physical and behavioral changes that can alert you to a problem.

Some of the physical signs of inhalant abuse include:

• Weight loss
• Poor coordination
• Sores around the mouth
• Chemical smell on the breath or clothing
• Paint stains on the skin or clothing
• Excitability
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Appearing dazed or drunk
• Dizziness
• Nausea

Some behavioral signs of inhalant abuse include:

• Using inhalants in dangerous situations, such as while working or driving
• Wanting to stop or reduce inhalant use but finding that they cannot stop on their own
• Developing tolerance to inhalants, meaning they need to use more to get the effects they want
• Having cravings for inhalants

Inhalant Abuse Treatment

People who abuse inhalants may exhibit signs of physical dependence. People with addiction to inhalants may experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop using them. Treatment and support are critical during detox from inhalants to avoid relapse.

Inhalant withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Anxiety
• Difficulty sleeping
• Tingling sensations in the body
• Tremors
• Muscle cramps
• Seizures
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Irritability
• Loss of appetite

Comprehensive treatment is essential for people with inhalant abuse or dependence. A medically supported detox program can keep people safe as they detox from inhalants or other substances. During detox, medical and mental health specialists will provide tailored treatment that includes medications, emotional support, and round-the-clock supervision.

After detox, people must continue their treatment in a comprehensive rehab program that can give them the tools to avoid relapse for the rest of their lives.

Find Treatment for Inhalant Abuse

Inhalant abuse can harm your body and mind. Find the treatment and support you need to overcome inhalant abuse at the Carolina Center for Recovery. Reach out to our team of specialists now to explore your treatment options.