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Sub-Category:

Industrial Chemicals and Solvents

Number of Conditions: 1

Toxic effects of solvents (e.g., paint thinners, glues)

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Acute and Chronic Toxicity

Sub-category: Industrial Chemicals and Solvents

Symptoms:
dizziness; headache; confusion; nausea; vomiting; dermatitis; irritation of the respiratory system; fatigue; memory impairment with chronic exposure

Root Cause:
Solvents cause toxicity through inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption, leading to damage to the central nervous system, respiratory system, and skin. Chronic exposure can result in neurotoxicity.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on exposure history, clinical symptoms, imaging (e.g., chest X-ray or MRI for neurological effects), and laboratory tests to detect solvent metabolites in blood or urine.

Treatment:
Immediate treatment involves removing the person from exposure, providing supportive care, oxygen therapy for respiratory distress, and treating systemic effects. Skin exposure requires thorough washing.

Medications:
Medications depend on symptoms

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common among industrial workers, painters, and individuals using glue for recreational inhalation ("huffing").

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Occupational exposure, recreational inhalant use, inadequate protective measures, and prolonged use in poorly ventilated spaces.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Acute exposures often resolve with appropriate care, but chronic exposure may lead to irreversible neurological damage.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Peripheral neuropathy, chronic headaches, liver damage, and kidney damage.