Health Encyclopedia
Propane
Definition
Propane is a colorless and odorless flammable gas. Breathing in or swallowing propane can be harmful. Propane takes the place of oxygen in the lungs. This makes breathing difficulty or impossible.
Symptoms
Symptoms that occur when swallowing propane include:
- Burning sensation
- Convulsions
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Heartbeat - irregular
- Heartbeat - rapid
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Pain and numbness in arms and legs
- Skin irritation
- Slow and shallow breathing
- Unconsciousness
- Vomiting
- Weakness
Symptoms of breathing in propane include:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Loss of consciousness
Home Care
DO NOT make the person vomit (throw up). If the propane touched the skin, wash the area thoroughly. If the propane was swallowed, give the person water or milk. If the propane was inhaled, move the person to fresh air.
Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:
- Patient's age, weight, and condition
- Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
- Time it was swallowed
- Amount swallowed
Poison Control
The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.
This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.
See National Poison Control center.
What to Expect at the Emergency Room
The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The patient may receive oxygen. Blood tests will be done to determine the severity of the poisoning.
Outlook (Prognosis)
How well a patient does depends on the amount of poison swallowed or inhaled, the length of the exposure, and how quickly treatment was received. The faster a patient gets medical help, the better.
Those with short exposures may have temporary headaches or other mild nervous system symptoms. Stroke, coma, or death may occur with long-term exposure.
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
