User:Mr. Ibrahem/Sudden sniffing death syndrome

Sudden sniffing death syndrome (SSDS) is sudden death due to inhalant misuse. Onset is within minutes to hours of substance use. Being startled or physical activity may trigger its onset.

It most commonly occurs due to use of butane, propane, or aerosols. It can occur after a single session of breathing in the chemicals; with about 20% of cases occur with first time use. The underlying mechanism often involves an irregular heart rate, specifically ventricular fibrillation due to catecholamine release. Other cases may result from lack of oxygen or an allergic reaction.

Treatment is similar to other causes of atrial fibrillation with CPR and defibrillation, except epinephrine is not recommended and beta-blockers (such as esmolol) may be used. Defibrillation; however, may not be effective initially. Outcomes are generally poor.

In the United States inhalants result in about 100 to 200 deaths per year. About half of these are a result of SSDS. In the United States those most commonly affected are young white males, despite similar use rates between the sexes. The condition was first described in 1970 by Bass.