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Does Injecting Air In The Vein Cause Respiratory Distress?

Posted on Tue, 3 Jun 2014

Question: This is personal but I shot up early today around 6 to 7 hours ago. Almost 2 hours after the injection, I went to class and couldn't breathe. I drove to the hospital and almost checked in but it went away. I accidentally got some air into the syringe. Will I be ok or do I still need to get medical help. I just read air in the vein causes respiratory distress but don't know if it works its way out or I need some medical help. Thank you for your time

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
There is no cause for concern

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day

Dear Mr XXXXXXX

First and foremost let me reassure you there is no cause for concern.
Small amount of air accidentally injected in a healthy individual with no cardio respiratory problem can be tolerated well by the individual. It requires 60 ml of air to be injected into a normal individual to cause cardio respiratory embarrassment .
This assuring thing does not mean one can inject air or it is totally safe. It's always recommended not to inject air even if there is safety margin.
Also Would suggest you to lead a injection free life.

Wishing you a very happy and healthy life.
In case you require any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.

Take care

Best Regards
Dr T Shobha Deepak
MBBS, MD

Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad