A Case of Frostbite and Breathing Problems Caused by Huffing
A 40-year-old man from Michigan presented to the emergency room with complaints of frostbite, dyspnea (shortness of breath), and dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing). The man had inhaled compressed air from an air duster, known as huffing.
An emergency situation
The man reported experiencing a tingling sensation on his tongue and lips. He also developed oropharyngeal oedema (swelling of the throat) which further exacerbated his breathing difficulty. The 40-year-old was immediately admitted to the ICU and put on a ventilator.
Investigations
The doctors performed a CT scan and assessed his White Blood Cells (WBCs) count, which was very low. The CT scan confirmed oropharyngeal oedema and swelling in the surrounding soft tissues.
Treatment
The doctors administered steroids, antihistamines, and broad-spectrum antibiotics. After his five-day course of treatment, the doctors removed him from the ventilator.
The doctors kept him under observation for a few days. Eventually, oedema subsided and his condition became stable. The doctors discharged him in a few days with no further complications seen.
History
The 40-year-old had been getting high on air dusters for a few years. However, this time he overdosed on three air dusters and as a consequence, it worsened his condition, requiring him to seek medical attention immediately.
Huffing: Suicide Attempt or Accident?
The 40-year-old was a chronic smoker, and he had a history of depression, for which he received CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy). Regardless of his history, he insisted that the incident was merely an accident and not suicide.
“Even if People can’t afford hard drugs, this is really a dangerous type of addiction, and can certainly lead to long-term brain damage, cardiac arrhythmias, psychological effects, depression [and] anxiety,”
SAID DR. ROBERT GLATTER, AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN AT LENOX HILL HOSPITAL IN NEW YORK CITY.
Reference: Winston, A., Kanzy, A., & Bachuwa, G. (2015). Air Duster abuse causing rapid airway compromise. Case Reports, 2015, bcr2014207566.
