Some Side Effects of Nitrous Oxide You Should Know

Cream chargers are a completely safe addition to your kitchen cabinet when used responsibly. However, some people abuse cream chargers by breathing in the nitrous oxide (N₂O) gas from inside to experience a momentary “high”. They might not be aware of the potential short- and long-term effects on their health of such careless behavior. You may learn everything you need to know about nitrous oxide and cream chargers from this post.

What is nitrous oxide?

Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can reduce anxiety during dental procedures. Other healthcare providers may also use nitrous oxide for pain and as a mild sedative.

It is frequently used to sedate individuals undergoing simple medical procedures by dentists and other medical professionals. 1 When used as a whipping agent for whipped cream, it is also a food additive. It is also employed in the automotive sector to improve engine performance. Treatment for those going through alcohol withdrawal is likewise becoming more and more common. As a dissociative anesthetic, nitrous oxide has been shown to cause dissociation of the mind from the body (a feeling of floating), warped perceptions, and, in very rare instances, visual hallucinations.

How is it used?

Nitrous gas cartridges (bulbs or whippets) are often discharged into another item, such as a balloon, or into the mouth, where the gas is then breathed. 3 Nitrous oxide inhalation causes an instantaneous burst of exhilaration and a momentary sensation of excitement or floating.

Using nitrous oxide for medical and dental treatments is generally safe. Adults, children, and toddlers may all be treated medically. But there is a chance of both short- and long-term health problems, just like with any medication. Overdosing could also be a possibility.

What are potential short-term side effects?

Nitrous oxide side effects are possible, however, many people who receive the gas don’t experience any problems at all.

When adverse effects do occur, they frequently do so as a result of inhaling the gas too quickly or in excess.

Common short-term side effects include:

• excessive sweating
• shivering
• nausea
• vomiting
• dizziness
• fatigue

Following nitrous oxide inhalation, some persons also experience hallucinations or hearing distortion.

Nitrous oxide is occasionally provided in conjunction with oxygen. If not, you might continue to get oxygen after your doctor turns off the gas for around five minutes.

Your body can expel any residual gas with the help of oxygen. Following your procedure will aid in your recovery of awareness. Another potential side effect of laughing gas is a headache, which can be avoided by getting enough oxygen.

What are potential long-term side effects?

Nitrous oxide’s negative effects normally disappear fast. There don’t seem to be any long-term adverse effects from the gas.

In any case, if you experience any strange symptoms after having nitrous oxide or if a side effect lasts for several hours or days following a procedure, consult your dentist right once.

Although nitrous oxide is harmless, it is not suggested for everyone. Your doctor can decide whether this is the best form of sedation for you based on your medical history.

You might not be able to receive nitrous oxide if:

• You’re in the first trimester of pregnancy.
• You have a history of respiratory illness or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• You have methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency.
• You have a cobalamin (vitamin B-12) deficiency.
• You have a history of mental health conditions.
• You have a history of substance use disorders.

Although there are no known long-term negative effects, improper usage of nitrous oxide or prolonged exposure to the gas at work may result in long-term problems.

Anemia or a vitamin B-12 deficiency could result from toxic exposure. Nerve damage brought on by a severe vitamin B-12 deficit might result in tingling or numbness in your fingers, toes, and limbs.

What are the side effects in toddlers and children?

Nitrous oxide is also a safe drug for toddlers and children. Similar to adults, children and toddlers who receive nitrous oxide may experience short-term side effects, such as:

• headache
• vomiting
• nausea
• shivering
• fatigue

Your child may also appear a little disoriented and irritable after receiving the gas. Again, these effects quickly wear off and don’t cause long-term issues.