MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Propane

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Propane

Contents of this page:
Definition Symptoms Home Treatment Before Calling Emergency	Poison Control, or a local emergency number What to expect at the emergency room Expectations (prognosis)

Definition

Propane is a colorless and odorless flammable gas at ambient temperatures. It can be toxic when inhaled because it displaces the oxygen in your lungs and essentially prevents your lungs from breathing.

Symptoms

Symptoms of propane ingestion:

body as a whole
- fever
- weakness
- convulsions
- pains in arms and legs
- numbness in arms and legs
- burning sensations
respiratory (if inhaled into the lungs)
- cough
- slow and shallow breathing
skin exposure
- irritation
- burns possible if prolonged contact occurred
gastrointestinal
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
heart and blood vessels
- rapid heartbeat
- irregular heart rate
nervous system
- unconsciousness
- nervousness
- dizziness

Symptoms of propane inhalation:

body as a whole:
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- loss of consciousness

Home Treatment

DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING! If the skin was exposed, wash the area. 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:

the patient's age, weight, and condition
the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
the time it was swallowed
the amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Bring the propane container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

administration of oxygen
blood tests to determine severity of exposure

Expectations (prognosis)

The prognosis depends on the amount of propane inhaled as well as the duration of exposure. For minimal or short exposures there may be temporary headaches or other mild nervous-system symptoms. For serious and prolonged exposures there can be permanent damage such as stroke, coma, or even death.

Update Date: 7/31/2003

Updated by: Ari Schwell, M.D., Director, Emergency Department of the Episcopal Campus of Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.