Nitrous oxide (N2O), commonly known as laughing gas, is a colorless, odorless gas. This is because inhaling this chemical compound slows down the body’s reaction time, causing feelings of euphoria and happiness.
Essential Information About Laughing Gas
Laughing gas can be used for pain relief. It also functions as a mild sedative. Therefore, it is sometimes used prior to dental procedures to help patients relax and reduce anxiety.
Laughing gas has a rapid and profound sedative effect. It is considered safe. However, like any medication, nitrous oxide can have side effects. Below is some general information about laughing gas, according to Healthline.com.
Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas, commonly known as “laughing gas”. (Illustrative image).
What are the short-term side effects of laughing gas?
Although laughing gas can cause side effects when inhaled, many people experience little to no reaction.
If side effects do occur, they are often due to inhaling too much or inhaling too rapidly.
Common short-term side effects include:
- Excessive sweating
- Shivering
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Some individuals may experience hallucinations or distorted speech after inhaling nitrous oxide.
Sometimes, doctors provide patients with oxygen to inhale alongside laughing gas. If not, patients will receive oxygen about 5 minutes after the laughing gas is turned off. Oxygen helps remove any remaining gas from the patient’s body, aiding in their recovery after procedures. Getting enough oxygen can also prevent headaches, another potential side effect of laughing gas.
Patients may drive themselves home after receiving laughing gas but should wait until they are fully alert, typically around 15 minutes.
Before inhaling laughing gas, it is advisable to have a light snack. This can help prevent nausea and vomiting. Additionally, avoid heavy meals for at least three hours after receiving the gas.
Be alert for signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction after inhaling laughing gas. These symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Blurred vision
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
Seek immediate medical assistance if any signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction occur.
What are the long-term side effects of laughing gas?
Laughing gas does not seem to cause long-term side effects.
However, in any case, inform your doctor if you have any unusual symptoms after using laughing gas or if you experience side effects for several hours or days after the procedure.
Remember that while laughing gas is safe, not everyone can tolerate it. Based on your medical history, your doctor can determine if this is an appropriate sedative method for you.
You should not use laughing gas if you:
- Are in the first trimester of pregnancy.
- Have a history of respiratory issues or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Have a methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency.
- Have a cobalamin (vitamin B-12) deficiency.
- Have a history of mental health issues.
- Have a history of substance abuse.
While no long-term side effects have been identified, abusing laughing gas or prolonged exposure in a work environment can lead to long-term complications, such as vitamin B-12 deficiency or anemia. Severe vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause nerve damage, resulting in tingling or numbness in the fingers, toes, and limbs.
What are the side effects of nitrous oxide in children?
Laughing gas is also safely used as a sedative for toddlers and children. Similar to adults, children and toddlers using nitrous oxide may experience short-term side effects, such as:
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Shivering
- Fatigue
Children may also feel slightly disoriented and irritable after receiving the gas. Again, these effects disappear quickly and do not cause long-term issues.
Although safe and used in medicine, nitrous oxide also carries risks if overdosed.
What are the symptoms of nitrous oxide overdose?
Although safe and used in medicine, nitrous oxide carries risks if overdosed. This can occur due to prolonged exposure or inhaling too much gas.
- Signs of overdose may include:
- irritation of the nose, eyes, and throat
- wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath
- choking or chest tightness
- seizures
- blue discoloration of the fingers, toes, and lips
- rapid heartbeat
- psychological disturbances or hallucinations
- increased blood pressure, which may lead to a higher risk of stroke or heart attack.
- Brain damage is also a possibility when a person receives a large amount of nitrous oxide without sufficient oxygen. If left untreated, an overdose can lead to coma or death.
Conclusion
Laughing gas is a popular, safe sedative method in medicine, suitable for both adults and children. However, there may be side effects after use.
Most side effects are mild and do not cause long-term damage. But in cases of abuse or improper use, laughing gas can be dangerous and life-threatening.
Additionally, not everyone can use laughing gas. Be sure to inform your doctor about your medical history before undergoing any procedures. Based on that information, your doctor can determine whether you can use this sedative method.
N2O (Nitrous oxide), or laughing gas, is a colorless, mildly sweet inorganic compound. When this substance enters the body in gas form, it occupies the space of oxygen, leading to a lack of oxygen and suppressing the central nervous system, causing various sensations of euphoria and hallucinations. N2O is classified as a narcotic substance and a hallucinogen that tends to require increasing doses. Users may become dependent, addicted, and experience hallucinations similar to those induced by heroin. When laughing gas is inhaled quickly and in small amounts, it can cause laughter and fleeting excitement. However, using N2O in large quantities over an extended period can lead to nerve toxicity, damaging nerves from the brain down to the spinal cord, especially the cervical and thoracic spinal cord. Patients may experience disorders such as sensations of numbness, weakness in limbs, memory disturbances, sleep disorders, heart rhythm irregularities, hypotension, anemia, and vitamin B-12 deficiency. More severely, patients may experience suppression, coma, hypotension, paralysis, and death. For those with cardiovascular diseases, asthma, or other respiratory-related conditions, exposure to N2O can be life-threatening due to asphyxiation and respiratory failure. |
