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Chloroethane: Difference between revisions
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Chloroethane, along with other [[volatile anesthetics]], is '''<u>extremely dangerous</u>''' to use recreationally and presents an example of essentially '''<u>unmitigable risk</u>''' due to the inability to reliably monitor or control the concentration of gas that is being inhaled. When chloroethane is sprayed into the environment, it immediately boils into a gas. This causes extremely high concentrations of gaseous chloroethane far beyond potentially fatal levels, especially if the liquid is sprayed into a material which will capture the gas and slow the boiling process (e.g. into a rag). | Chloroethane, along with other [[volatile anesthetics]], is '''<u>extremely dangerous</u>''' to use recreationally and presents an example of essentially '''<u>unmitigable risk</u>''' due to the inability to reliably monitor or control the concentration of gas that is being inhaled. When chloroethane is sprayed into the environment, it immediately boils into a gas. This causes extremely high concentrations of gaseous chloroethane far beyond potentially fatal levels, especially if the liquid is sprayed into a material which will capture the gas and slow the boiling process (e.g. into a rag). | ||
=== Airway | === Cardiac arrest === | ||
The difference in dose of chloroethane between the desired recreational effects and cardiac arrest is very small (<10% difference in the concentration of gas). Because chloroethane boils into a gas at room temperature, it is possible to produce extremely high concentrations of gas (>50%) if it is inhaled from a confined space such as a rag. Furthermore, it is practically impossible to accurately monitor and control the concentration of chloroethane being inhaled. '''<u>These characteristics mean that cardiac arrest can rapidly occur without warning during any use.</u>''' | |||
=== Airway reflex activation === | |||
One major risk of chloroethane is the involuntary activation of airway reflexes, including [[laryngospasm]] (closure of the vocal cords), or [[bronchospasm]] (closure of the lower airways), resulting in partial or complete blockage of airflow to and from the lungs. Normally, these reflexes are protective and are triggered to prevent liquids or solids from entering the lungs. However, when unconsciousness is caused by an anesthetic agent, these reflexes can activate inappropriately even when no triggering stimulation was present, and may not relax once activated. | One major risk of chloroethane is the involuntary activation of airway reflexes, including [[laryngospasm]] (closure of the vocal cords), or [[bronchospasm]] (closure of the lower airways), resulting in partial or complete blockage of airflow to and from the lungs. Normally, these reflexes are protective and are triggered to prevent liquids or solids from entering the lungs. However, when unconsciousness is caused by an anesthetic agent, these reflexes can activate inappropriately even when no triggering stimulation was present, and may not relax once activated. | ||
If laryngospasm occurs, it can sometimes be treated with [[Larson's maneuver]] (using fingers to apply firm inward pressure to the soft tissue directly underneath the ear lobe on both sides of the head). If a bag-valve-mask is present, positive pressure with a high inspiratory pressure may also resolve the episode. However, '''<u>some cases of laryngospasm will not resolve until death occurs</u>''' and can only be managed by trained experts with access to specialized medications and equipment. | If laryngospasm occurs, it can sometimes be treated with [[Larson's maneuver]] (using fingers to apply firm inward pressure to the soft tissue directly underneath the ear lobe on both sides of the head). If a bag-valve-mask is present, positive pressure with a high inspiratory pressure may also resolve the episode. However, '''<u>some cases of laryngospasm will not resolve until death occurs</u>''' and can only be managed by trained experts with access to specialized medications and equipment. | ||
=== | === Aspiration === | ||
Chloroethane may cause uncontrollable retching and vomiting which can lead to [[aspiration]] of the stomach contents into the lungs. Aspiration is especially likely if the individual is unconscious or physically positioned such that they are unable to clear vomit from their mouth. | |||
If aspiration occurs and the airway is not immediately cleared, death by drowning will occur. If the airway is cleared but some vomit was inhaled, the individual is still at risk for complications and '''<u>should be evaluated in an emergency room</u>'''. Some examples include: | |||
* Aspiration pneumonitis, which is lung inflammation and dysfunction caused by an aspiration event which may not initially be obvious, but leads to increasingly worsening symptoms over the next 24 to 48 hours, followed by rapid improvement. | |||
* Aspiration pneumonia, which is a lung infection that requires treatment with antibiotics. | |||
=== | === Drug interactions<!-- Describe the interactions of this drug. -->=== | ||
Chloroethane will synergistically interact with other depressants and reduce the dose required to produce each of the listed effects above. | Chloroethane will synergistically interact with other depressants and reduce the dose required to produce each of the listed effects above. | ||