Home Health: When And How To Use An Ammonia Inhalant

Ammonia inhalants combine the active ingredient with liquids such as water and isopropyl alcohol, and sometimes include fragrance. The irritating fumes cause an involuntary reflex in the lungs and nose that stimulates the respiratory system. While ammonia inhalants are generally regarded as safe, some doctors feel that administering ammonia inhalants amounts to administering poisons to shock the system. Specifically, ammonia inhalants can seriously aggravate lung conditions such as asthma, exacerbating a bad situation.

Note: The following information should not be considered medical advice, and it is offered as background information only. Consult your doctor before administering any medication, especially to children.

Fainting

Fainting is a loss of consciousness with spontaneous recovery, a symptom, not a disease. It occurs suddenly, because of insufficient oxygen in the brain, usually caused by a lack of blood flow. Often a benign set of circumstances causes the lack of blood flow, but other times, a serious underlying condition is the culprit. Fainting is a common occurrence, and 3% of emergency room patients seek medical attention for fainting.

Before fainting, people feel dizzy or lightheaded, and often complain of feeling hot. When you hear people say that they "blacked out," that's because in the seconds before loosing consciousness, their vision becomes impaired and they see nothing but black. In the next few seconds, they collapse. They may vomit after fainting, and in severe cases, their heart may stop and circulation may cease. If either of these occurs, consider it a medical emergency, call 911 immediately, and follow their instructions.

Ammonia inhalants merely treat the symptom; they do nothing for the underlying cause of the fainting.

Causes for Fainting

Benign causes for losing consciousness include:

* Lack of sleep

* Hunger

* Dehydration

* Excessive physical activity or exercise

* Standing too quickly

* Stifling, hot room

* Claustrophobia

* The sight of blood or having one's blood drawn

Serious Causes for Fainting

The following causes for fainting can be potentially life threatening, and require immediate medical attention:

* Cardiac-related - arrhythmia (irregular heart beat), congestive heart failure

* Neurological disorders

* Hyperventilation

* Severe pain

* Emotional stress

* Alcohol or drug use

* Severe bleeding

* Loss in blood pressure or low blood pressure

* Medication

* Low blood sugar, especially in diabetics

* Stroke

* Parkinson's disease

Administering Ammonia Inhalants

Recovery from a benign loss of consciousness is usually spontaneous and quick, and often happens before you can locate and administer an ammonia inhalant. If the person has regained consciousness before you administer the inhalant, don't administer it. Remember that you should check with a doctor before administering an ammonia inhalant to a child. Since you will not have time to reach a physician between loss of consciousness and administering an ammonia inhalant, it's best to ask your pediatrician ahead of time if your child can tolerate an ammonia inhalant.

To administer the ammonia inhalant:

1. Open the package and crush the ampoule.

2. Hold under the nostrils, without touching the skin.

3. Discontinue use when consciousness is regained.

Contraindications

Do not administer ammonia inhalants if any of the following conditions apply:

* Flushed face - may indicate serious condition and requires medical attention

* Bronchitis, asthma, or any lung disease

* Eye problems

Other warnings:

If the ammonia comes into contact with the eyes, seek medical attention. This can cause blindness.

Ammonium carbonate is a strong ingredient. Use it with caution and care.