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If you or someone near you is having trouble breathing, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
Sometimes people accidentally inhale (breathe in) something they shouldn't. This might include:
These things often include:
Inhaled objects may get stuck in your trachea or respiratory tract (airways).
This article is about inhaled substances in children and adults. Learn about choking, suffocation and swallowed objects in babies.
Some objects, such as button batteries and magnets, can cause serious harm. For more information, visit healthdirect's article on swallowed objects.
If someone near you is having trouble breathing, call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance.
Sometimes, it may not be obvious that someone has inhaled something, especially if the object gets stuck further down in the respiratory tract. Signs of an inhaled foreign object might include:
If you accidentally inhale an object, you might choke. Choking is when a foreign object partially or completely blocks the throat or trachea (breathing pipe). This prevents air from reaching your lungs.
Children are naturally curious and explore their environment by putting things in their mouths and noses, which can become a choking hazard. Children also have small airways, and their cough reflex may not yet be well-developed. They are at more risk of choking than adults.
If a person is choking, they may:
For information about identifying and responding to choking, visit healthdirect's article on choking.
If you think that someone may have inhaled an object seek urgent medical care.
Coughing may help to dislodge an inhaled object.
Do not use the Heimlich manoeuvre on children. This can cause damage to internal organs.
If your child has an object up their nose, see your doctor. They can help safely remove the object so it does not become a choking hazard.
If an adult or child over one year is choking, call triple zero (000).
While waiting on medical help, perform first aid:
If the person becomes limp, blue or unconscious, start resuscitation while you wait for the ambulance.
You should go to the nearest emergency department if you have been advised to do so, or if you or your child have:
Young children are especially vulnerable to inhaling foreign objects.
Here are some things you can do to reduce the risk of young children inhaling foreign objects:
You should also keep small objects away from young children. These include:
If an inhaled object causes choking, this can prevent you from getting any oxygen. A lack of oxygen can cause damage to your brain.
Fumes from chemicals or toxic substances can irritate your:
Your symptoms may depend on the chemical inhaled. You may have symptoms such as:
Symptoms of an overdose or severe reaction to an inhaled substance may include:
If you are with someone who has inhaled toxic fumes, get medical attention immediately.
Do not try to rescue someone from an area where a toxic gas is involved. Otherwise, you may also inhale the substance. Call triple zero (000) for help from the fire brigade.
If you have inhaled chemical or toxic fumes, you should:
Some cleaning products can produce toxic 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.
If you think you or someone you are with is having a severe reaction to an inhaled substance, call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance. Tell the triple zero operator what the substance the person inhaled was.
Place the affected person in the recovery position (on their side with their head tilted back) while awaiting the ambulance.
Check their breathing regularly. If the person:
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of hurting themselves, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
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 or injure themselves.
If you have done this, you are not alone and help is available.
Here are some tips to help you and your family avoid accidental inhalation of chemical fumes:
Some chemicals can cause serious, long-term damage to your lungs and nervous system, especially if you:
You can call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
You can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Last reviewed: May 2024
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