gasping syndrome
Gasping syndrome is a life-threatening condition characterized by multi-system failure, death and other symptoms resulting from benzyl alcohol poisoning.{{citation | editor=Jerrold B. Leikin | editor2=Frank P. Paloucek | author=Carl R. Baum | contribution=Examples of mass exposures involving the pediatric population | title=Poisoning and Toxicology Handbook | edition=4th | publisher=Informa | year=2008 | page=726}}.{{citation | author=Juan Gershanik | title=The gasping syndrome and benzyl alcohol poisoning | journal=N Engl J Med | year=1982 | volume=307 | issue=22 | pages=1384–8 | doi=10.1056/nejm198211253072206|display-authors=etal | pmid=7133084}}.
Symptoms
The symptoms caused by benzyl alcohol exposure include respiratory failure, hypotension, renal failure, severe metabolic acidosis, hematologic abnormalities, convulsions, paralysis gradual neurologic deterioration, cardiovascular collapse, sudden onset of gasping respiration, skin changes and vasodilation.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00001109.htm|title=Neonatal Deaths Associated With Use Of Benzyl Alcohol -- United States|agency=CDC}}