Answer to your Question

Answered By: Addiction Specialist

Answer: Inhalant abuse or "huffing" is very common among young adolescents, with some estimates as high as 17% of 8th graders. Although inhalant use is often difficult to detect, there may be chemical odors on the breath, skin, or clothes. Another indication of inhalant use is empty containers and rags or gauze in the trash. Additionally, the following are associated with inhalant use: mood swings, increased irritability and anger, uncontrolled laughter or violent outbursts, nosebleeds, increased salivation, facial rash or flushing, dilated pupils, bloodshot eyes, blisters near nose and mouth, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, coughing or sneezing, wheezing, headache, decrease or loss of sense of, slurred speech, hallucinations, disorientation, convulsions, incoordination, hand tremor, muscle weakness, and decreased reflexes.

Answered on: May 20, 2009