The misuse of nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, can lead to long-term nerve and brain damage, blood formation disorders, blood clots and heart attacks. Inhaling it also poses short-term risks such as oxygen deficiency, cold injuries and lung damage, warns the Austrian Society for Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine (ÖGKJ). Young people in particular consume the gas to get a drug high.
Easily available and cheap
In recent years, inhaling this psychoactive substance, which is usually available over the counter, has become increasingly popular in Europe. In France, Denmark and the Netherlands, poison control centers have reported an increasing number of cases of poisoning. “In the first few minutes, laughing gas briefly triggers feelings of happiness, relaxation, calm and detachment. The popularity of nitrous oxide is explained by its easy availability, its low price, its short-lived effect and the assumption that it is harmless. That is why education is important,” said Holger Förster, who heads the ÖGKJ’s youth and sports medicine working group with Werner Schlegel.
Normally, the small nitrous oxide cartridges are used to make whipped cream or to blow up balloons. In some places in Austria, 24-hour vending machine shops offer the larger cartridges in various flavors.
From dizziness to fainting
“Common side effects of consuming small amounts are dizziness, lightheadedness, disorientation, headaches and a general tingling sensation. Nausea and fainting can also occur, as well as temporary loss of coordination and balance. A temporary lack of oxygen can cause seizures. In some cases, nitrous oxide users vomit. If consciousness is reduced, there is a risk that vomit will enter the lungs,” Förster described.
Those who use the gas directly from the cartridges are at extremely high risk of severe cold burns and lung injuries. The gas freezes when released from these containers (minus 40 to minus 55 degrees Celsius). Within seconds it can “burn” the nose, lips, mouth, throat, vocal cords and lungs. In some cases, the swelling can close the airways to a life-threatening extent. The gas is also under high pressure and can tear lung tissue if inhaled directly.
Brain damage and heart attacks
With regular and heavy use, nitrous oxide acts as a neurotoxin. According to Förster, the irreversible inactivation of vitamin B12 in the body plays an important role: “This vitamin is important for the nerves. Nerve damage can be seen in, for example, paraesthesia, muscle weakness, loss of balance and other motor disorders, including paralysis. Inhaling the gas also leads to oxygen deficiency (hypoxia). Repeated use can therefore cause a range of damage. These include brain damage, disorders of blood formation (anemia) or blood clots (thrombosis) as well as heart attacks.”
