TODAY'S HEALTH LESSON....POPPERS...

HISTORY-
Direct, concentrated inhalation of amyl nitrite and the other light alkyl nitrites leads to a non-specific relaxation of smooth muscle, resulting in coronary vasodilation and decreased systemic vascular resistance and left ventricular preload and afterload. Sir Thomas Lauder Brunton (March 14, 1844 - September 16, 1916), a Scottish physician, is famously-associated with the use of amyl nitrite to treat angina pectoris.

EFFECTS-
Inhaling nitrites relaxes smooth muscles throughout the body, including the sphincter muscles of the anus and the vagina. It is unclear if there is a direct effect on the brain. Smooth muscle surrounds the body's blood vessels and when relaxed causes these vessels to dilate resulting in an immediate increase in heart rate and blood flow throughout the body, producing a sensation of heat and excitement that usually lasts for a couple of minutes.

Alkyl nitrites are often used as a club drug or to enhance a sexual experience. The head rush, euphoria, and other sensations that result from the increased heart rate are often felt to increase sexual arousal and desire. It is widely reported that poppers can enhance and prolong orgasms.

While anecdotal evidence reveals that both men and women can find the experience of using poppers pleasurable, this experience is not universal;some men report that poppers can cause short-term erectile problems.

HEALTH RISKS-
Alkyl nitrites has similar adverse effects as other volatile substances. Acute intake of poppers may cause asphyxia, arrhythmias, cardiovascular depression, carbon monoxide poisoning, hepatorenal toxicity, methemoglobinemia, neurologic dysfunction, mucosal, pulmonary, skin irritation and facial dermatitis. With chronic use neurological damage may occur. Alkyl nitrates are immunosuppressive in animal studies and kaposi's sarcoma, a form of cancer has been associated with heavy chronic misuse of alkyl nitrates; laboratory tests have also found evidence of mutagenic effects. However, a recent study failed to find an association with akyl nitrates and the development of kaposi's sarcoma. Swallowing alkyl nitrates can cause serious acute medical complications and may result in death. Accidental aspiration of amyl or butyl nitrites may lead to the development of lipoid pneumonia.

Other risks include burns if spilled on skin, loss of consciousness, headaches, and red or itching rashes around the mouth and nose.