Hydrocarbon Poisoning

General Information on Hydrocarbon Poisoning

Hydrocarbons can be found in cleaning products, petroleum products, and glues. Oftentimes children under age 5 are poisoned by swallowing petroleum products. Some teenagers intentionally breathe the fumes of these products to become intoxicated. This type of dangerous drug abuse is known as huffing, or sniffing. Hydrocarbons that have been swallowed can enter the lungs and can lead to severe pneumonia. Serious poisoning can also affect other major organs.

Symptoms of Hydrocarbon Poisoning

Symptoms may include:
Coughing
Choking
Burning sensation in the stomach
Vomiting
Rapid breathing
Irregular heartbeat
Bluish skin tone
Drowsiness
Poor coordination
Stupor
Seizures
Coma
Death

Treatments For Hydrocarbon Poisoning

Hydrocarbon poisoning is diagnosed based on a description on events that occurred, as well as by the characteristic odor of petroleum on the person’s breath. Pneumonia and chemical pneumonitis are diagnosed with a chest x-ray and by measuring the amount of oxygen in the blood. Contaminated clothing should be removed and the skin should be washed. Call the poison control center. People with breathing problems need to be hospitalized. If pneumonia or chemical pneumonitis develops, hospital treatment may include oxygen or a ventilator. Antibiotics can be used to help treat pneumonia.

Personal Experience

Hydrocarbon Poisoning - personal experiences