If inhalant abuse is suspected, a medical examination is recommended. During physical examination, several medical complications should be assessed such as central nervous system damage, kidney and liver abnormalities, lead poisoning, the possibilities of cardiac arrhythmia and pulmonary distress and nutritional deficiencies.
Because chemicals are stored in the fatty tissue of
the body, inhalant abusers may experience residual effects for an extended period. This could include altered affect and dullness of intellectual functioning. Consequently the detoxification period will need to be longer than is the case for other drugs – several weeks rather than days.