Cologne Consumption: A Deadly Mistake Or Urban Myth?

Cologne is a scented liquid made from alcohol and essential oils. While it is uncommon for cologne to cause immediate, irreversible damage to one's health, it can be harmful if ingested. The most toxic ingredients in cologne are ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, which may cause symptoms if more than 30 milliliters are swallowed. Poisoning from cologne ingestion may cause symptoms such as decreased consciousness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and trouble walking. In the event of cologne ingestion, it is important to seek medical help and call the local poison control center or emergency services.

The amount of cologne ingested matters

For instance, a small amount may only cause an upset stomach, with symptoms such as discomfort, nausea, and an isolated episode of vomiting or diarrhea. On the other hand, larger amounts can lead to more severe symptoms, including a decreased level of consciousness, coma, seizures, and even death.

Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of cologne ingestion due to their smaller body size and lower body weight. They are more susceptible to a drop in blood sugar levels, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if a child ingests cologne.

The effects of cologne ingestion can vary depending on the individual's age, weight, and overall health condition. It is important to note that the faster medical help is administered, the better the chances of recovery.

The dangers of ethyl alcohol

Firstly, ethyl alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, which means it lowers both cognitive and physical capacities. This can lead to impaired judgment and coordination, as well as a decrease in inhibitions and risk-taking behaviour. In large doses, ethyl alcohol can cause severe intoxication, leading to symptoms such as drowsiness, slurred speech, upset stomach, coma, and seizures. Ingesting very large amounts of ethyl alcohol can lead to respiratory depression and death.

The effects of ethyl alcohol are not limited to ingestion. Exposure to high concentrations of ethyl alcohol vapours, such as through inhalation or skin absorption, can also be dangerous. This can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, as well as loss of coordination, sleepiness, unconsciousness, and even death. Repeated exposure to ethyl alcohol can also dry the skin, leading to cracking, peeling, and itching.

Long-term misuse of ethyl alcohol is associated with serious health problems, including liver and cardiovascular disease, cancer, nervous system damage, and psychiatric issues such as depression, anxiety, and antisocial personality disorder. Additionally, consuming ethyl alcohol during pregnancy can result in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) or fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), causing irreversible physical and mental changes to the developing fetus, including growth retardation, mental disorders, and birth defects.

It is important to note that the dangers of ethyl alcohol are not limited to adults. Children are particularly susceptible to the toxic effects of ethyl alcohol, and even small ingestions can cause a dangerous drop in their blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is crucial to keep colognes and perfumes, which often contain high percentages of ethyl alcohol, out of the reach of children.

Isopropyl alcohol is also poisonous

While colognes and perfumes often contain a high percentage of ethyl alcohol, the most toxic ingredient tends to be ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol, also known as isopropanol, is a clear, colourless liquid that emits an odour resembling acetone. It is the second most common alcohol ingested following ethanol and is the most common toxic alcohol ingestion reported to the United States Poison Control Centers each year.

Isopropyl alcohol is toxic when ingested orally, inhaled, or applied topically, particularly in large amounts. However, it can be harmful to children in smaller amounts. It is rapidly absorbed, with nearly 80% being absorbed within 30 minutes of ingestion, and is metabolised by the liver into acetone. Isopropyl alcohol poisoning can cause symptoms such as rapid heart rate, low body temperature, unresponsive reflexes, throat pain, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, can lead to a coma.

The treatment for isopropyl alcohol poisoning aims to remove the alcohol from the body and keep organs functioning properly. This can include dialysis to remove isopropyl alcohol and acetone from the blood, fluid replacement for dehydration, and oxygen therapy to help the lungs eliminate isopropyl alcohol more quickly.

While isopropyl alcohol is toxic and can cause serious health issues, it rarely causes death. Ingestions are usually non-lethal, and treatment is typically supportive therapy. However, it is important to seek immediate medical attention if isopropyl alcohol poisoning is suspected, as it can have potentially fatal consequences.

Symptoms of cologne poisoning

Cologne is a scented liquid made from alcohol and essential oils. Poisoning from cologne occurs when someone swallows it, which can be accidental or intentional.

• Decreased level of consciousness, including coma (lack of responsiveness)
• Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting (may be bloody)
• Trouble walking normally
• Low body temperature, low blood sugar, and low blood pressure
• Abnormal urine output (too little or too much)
• Seizures (convulsions)
• Swaying from side to side
• Uncoordinated movement
• Coma
• Severe breathing problems

Children are especially prone to developing low blood sugar. Symptoms of low blood sugar can include confusion, drowsiness, weakness, clumsiness or jerking movements, and loss of consciousness.

If you suspect cologne poisoning, seek medical help right away. Do not induce vomiting unless poison control or a healthcare provider instructs you to do so.

What to do in an emergency

If you or someone you know has drunk cologne, it is important to act quickly and seek medical help right away. Here is what to do in an emergency:

Assess the Situation

Firstly, assess the situation and check for any symptoms of cologne poisoning, which can include:

• Decreased level of consciousness, including coma
• Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting (may be bloody)
• Trouble walking normally
• Low body temperature, low blood sugar, and low blood pressure
• Abnormal urine output
• Seizures
• Swaying from side to side
• Uncoordinated movement

Call for Help

If you observe any of the above symptoms, or if you are unsure, it is crucial to call for help immediately. In the United States, you can reach the Poison Help hotline by calling 1-800-222-1222. This toll-free number allows you to speak to poisoning experts who can provide further instructions. Alternatively, you can call 911 or your local emergency number. These services are available 24/7, and you should not hesitate to use them even if you are unsure about the severity of the situation.

Provide Basic Information

When you call the emergency services, be prepared to provide basic information about the person who has ingested cologne, including their age, weight, and current condition. You should also provide the time that the cologne was swallowed. This information will help the experts provide appropriate advice and treatment.

Do Not Induce Vomiting

It is important to note that you should not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so by poison control or a healthcare provider.

Bring the Cologne Container

If possible, bring the cologne container with you to the hospital or emergency room. This can help the healthcare providers identify the ingredients and determine the best course of treatment.

First Aid Measures

While waiting for emergency services to arrive, you can provide first aid measures such as:

• For eye exposure to cologne, rinse the eyes with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
• If the person is conscious, provide them with a small, carb- or sugar-heavy snack to prevent a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels.
• Keep the person calm and comfortable until help arrives.

Remember, the faster medical help is given, the better the chances of recovery. Do not delay seeking assistance if you or someone you know has ingested cologne.

Frequently asked questions