What is an inhaled substance or object?

Sometimes people accidentally inhale (breathe in) something they shouldn't. This might include:

• liquids
• powders
• gases
• solid items (objects)

These things often include:

• smoke from fires
• chemical or toxic (poisonous) fumes, including household gas (such as the gas from your kitchen stove), aerosols or glues
• food or drink that has gone down your breathing pipe (trachea) instead of the food pipe (oesophagus)
• small parts from toys
• button batteries

Inhaled objects may get stuck in your trachea or respiratory tract (airways).

This article is about inhaled substances and objects in children and adults. You can also read about choking, suffocation and swallowed objects in babies.

Some objects, such as button batteries and magnets, can cause serious harm. For more information, read the healthdirect article on swallowed objects.

What is aspiration and why is it dangerous?

Aspiration is when you breathe in fluids.

Sometimes fluids such as water or other liquids accidentally go into the lungs instead of the stomach. This is dangerous because it can make it hard to breathe. Liquid in the lungs can block airflow, cause lung irritation or serious breathing problems.

Take these steps to reduce the risk of aspiration in children:

• Always supervise children around water, including bathtubs, pools and buckets.
• Make sure children sit upright when drinking.
• Give small amounts of liquid to young children at a time.
• If someone coughs or chokes on water, help them stay calm and upright.

If someone breathes in a large amount of water or has trouble breathing, call an ambulance immediately. If they are breathing, place them in the recovery (on their side) position.

What symptoms are related to inhaling a foreign object?

Sometimes, it may not be obvious that someone has inhaled something, especially if the object is stuck further down in the airways. Signs may include:

• ongoing wheezing (a whistling sound while breathing)
• ongoing cough
• coughing up blood (haemoptysis)
• fever

If you inhale an object, you may choke. Choking is when an object partially or completely blocks the throat or trachea (breathing pipe), stopping air from reaching your lungs.

Children are more at risk of choking. They often explore by putting objects in their mouths or noses, and their airways are smaller. Their cough reflex may also not be fully developed.

If a person is choking, they may:

• clutch at their throat
• cough, wheeze or gag
• have difficulty breathing, speaking or swallowing
• make a whistling sound, or no sound at all
• have blue lips or face
• lose consciousness

Read more on what to do if someone is choking.

What should I do if I have inhaled an object?

Try to stay calm and breathe slowly and deeply. Coughing may help to dislodge the object.

If coughing doesn't help, or if the person stops breathing at any time, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

Do not use the Heimlich manoeuvre (forceful squeezing of the abdomen or tummy) on children. This can cause injury.

If your child has an object in their nose, see your doctor. They can remove it safely so it does not become a choking hazard.

When to seek emergency care

While waiting for medical help:

• keep them calm
• encourage them to cough
• bend the person forward and give 5 firm blows with the heel of your hand between their shoulder blades
• check after each blow if the object has moved
• if not, give 5 thrusts in the centre of the chest while supporting their back
• repeat back blows and chest thrusts until the ambulance arrives

If the person becomes limp, blue or unconscious, start resuscitation (CPR) while waiting for the ambulance.

How can I prevent inhalation of foreign objects?

Young children are at higher risk of inhaling foreign objects.

You can reduce the risk by:

• making sure your child sits calmly when eating or drinking
• not giving hard or round foods (such as whole nuts or grapes) to children under 5 years of age
• choosing toys that are right for your child's age, and keeping toys with small parts away from children under 3 years of age
• keeping plastic items out of reach
• learning basic first aid for infants and children.

You should also keep small objects out of reach, such as:

• coins
• magnets
• batteries
• buttons
• sewing needles
• safety pins

What are the complications of inhaling a foreign object?

If an inhaled object causes choking, this can prevent oxygen from reaching your body cells. A lack of oxygen can cause damage to your brain.

What symptoms are related to inhaling a substance?

Breathing in fumes from chemicals or other harmful substances can irritate your:

• airways
• skin
• eyes

Your symptoms will depend on what you inhaled. You may have symptoms such as:

• coughing or gagging
• a burning feeling in your nose, mouth or throat
• chest pain or discomfort
• difficulty speaking or swallowing
• difficulty breathing

Symptoms of a severe reaction to an inhaled substance may include:

• nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• chest pain or an irregular heartbeat
• hallucinations
• fainting, seizures or coma

What should I do if I inhale chemical or toxic fumes?

If you have inhaled a chemical or poison:

• get fresh air straight away — go outside or open doors and windows
• loosen tight clothing
• get urgent care if you have symptoms

If you need to see your doctor but cannot wait for an appointment, you may be able to get treatment at a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. Use the Service Finder to find your nearest one.

Some cleaning products can produce dangerous gases when they're mixed. If this happens, get into fresh air.

When it is safe to do so, dispose of the mixed cleaning products safely. Check for instructions on the product packaging about safe disposal.

When to seek emergency care

Place the person in the recovery position (on their side with their head tilted back) while awaiting the ambulance.

Check their breathing:

• If they vomit, make sure their head is turned to the side to prevent choking.
• If they stop breathing, start resuscitation (CPR).

Inhaling substances deliberately

Some people may deliberately inhale vapours from common household substances, such as glue, petrol and aerosol spray. This may be to feel intoxicated (high) or to harm themselves.

If you have done this, you are not alone and help is available.

How can I prevent accidental inhalation of chemical fumes?

Here are some tips to help you and your family avoid accidental inhalation of chemical fumes:

• Keep dangerous substances, such as cleaning and gardening products or other household chemicals, in a safe place and out of reach of children.
• Don't mix cleaning chemicals — some can create dangerous gases when combined.
• Always read and follow the safety instructions on product labels.

What are the complications of inhaling a substance?

Some chemicals can cause serious, long-term damage to your lungs and nervous system, especially if you:

• inhale a large amount
• are repeatedly exposed to fumes

Resources and support

Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for advice if you or someone else has inhaled a dangerous substance.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.