It was supposed to be a fun day for Karlton until a tragic accident happened.
Karlton Donaghey was a five-year-old boy who only wanted to play with his cousin using helium balloons.
Karlton was found unconscious at the family’s house and was declared dead six days later.
What Happens When Helium Balloons Are Inhaled
The reason of Karlton’s dead was a hypoxic brain injury.
According to the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hypoxic ischemic brain injury, or anoxic brain injury (ABI) occurs when the brain does not get enough oxygen, which causes brain cells to die.
It can be caused by strokes and other pulmonary conditions, like cardiac arrest.
Healthline mentioned that by inhaling helium, the gas displaces oxygen.
This means that when you inhale, your body only gets helium.
A study showed that from 2000 to 2019, there was an estimated of over 2000 injuries related to helium inhalation in the United States.
Why Helium Balloons Are Dangerous
Inhaling balloons can cause dizziness and other side effects such as:
- nausea
- passing out
- light-headedness
Typically, it’s rare for someone to get major health issues from inhaling helium balloons.
But it can happen; as it did to Karlton.
Young children die after inhaling helium from asphyxiation, a condition where you’re deprived of oxygen.
However, the majority of major health issues come from inhaling helium from a pressurised tank.
You can easily see these tanks if you go to a fair, parties, or party supply stores.
Tanks hold a lot more helium and release helium with a strong force.
Healthline also mentioned that the purer the helium you inhale, the longer your body is without oxygen.
Breathing in this gas can cause death in just minutes.
Inhaling helium from the tank can also cause a gas or air embolism.
Gas or air embolism is a condition where a bubble is trapped in a blood vessel, blocking it.
The blood vessels can then rupture and haemorrhage.
The helium can also enter your lungs with enough force to cause your lungs to rupture.
What to Do If You Inhaled Helium
If you or your child have inhaled helium from a balloon and are feeling a bit dizzy or have a bit of a headache, you’re most probably fine.
Just take a seat and have a breather to wait it out.
However, if the symptoms are even more severe, or if you’ve lost consciousness, have someone take you to the nearest emergency room.
Call for emergency immediately, if you or someone you know experience these symptoms:
- low blood pressure
- trouble breathing
- irregular heart rate
- blurred vision
- chest pain
- paralysis in one or more limbs
- bluish lips
- coughing up blood
- seizures
The Fun Doesn’t Have to Stop
You can still inhale helium balloons if you want to get the high-pitch voice but it’s better not to, just in case.
Stay safe and absolutely stay clear from pressurised tanks and giant balloons.
Lastly, it’s best if your young child doesn’t play with a helium balloon without supervision.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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