Medical Complications of Glue Sniffing

Glue sniffing refers to the deliberate inhalation of volatile solvents, commonly found in adhesives, for the purpose of intoxication. The increasing prevalence of inhalant use suggests that many physicians will encounter a glue-sniffing patient at some time during their practice. Knowledge of the epidemiology, toxicology, and medical complications associated with glue sniffing is essential in obtaining an accurate history of substance abuse and in clinically managing these patients. This review of sources is intended to aid clinicians in the recognition of glue-sniffing patients and in the diagnosis of acute and chronic medical complications associated with the abuse of glues, solvents, and related substances. Glue sniffing has been linked to sudden death and chronic damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, peripheral nerves, and brain. Inhalant abuse in general is associated with mortality and morbidity, including social, educational, and economic deprivation in adolescents and young adults.