$Unique_ID{BRK01002}
$Pretitle{Community and Social Problems}
$Title{Why On Earth Would Anyone Inhale Nitrous Oxide for Fun?}
$Subject{inhalant nitrous oxide abuse laughing gas}
$Volume{Q-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Why On Earth Would Anyone Inhale Nitrous Oxide for Fun?


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QUESTION:  Why on earth would anyone inhale nitrous oxide for fun?  I'm a
metallurgist not a biochemist but it seems to me that only effect would be to
shortchange you on oxygen.  For that matter why would an anesthesiologist use
it?  Am I missing some important info here?

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ANSWER:  You are gapping on quite a bit of pharmacology and some important
medical history as well.  And (forgive the pun) the laugh may be on you for
nitrous oxide is also known as "laughing gas".  Back in 1844, Dr. Horace
Wells, a dentist from Hartford, Connecticut who is credited as the discoverer
of this gas as an anesthetic, was watching a theatrical demonstration of the
effects of nitrous oxide.  While generally the effects were those of euphoria,
and intoxication, frequently accompanied by hysterical laughter (thus the
name), on this occasion, the subject became angered, and jumped from the
stage, cutting his leg deeply.  Wells noted that though the wound should have
been painful, there appeared to be no suffering on the part of the victim, and
speculated on the medical uses of the gas.  Although difficult to manage,
nitrous oxide was found useful as an anesthetic.  However, some misguided
individuals seeking a cheap high, still use this gas without due respect to
the dangers of this treacherous gas.  It may cause nausea and vomiting,
shivering and trembling, hallucinations and confusion.  In animal studies it
has been shown to provoke fetal death, growth retardation and skeletal
abnormalities It is used in low doses for obstetrical analgesia (pain
suppression where loss of consciousness is not needed.  Since it is a weak
agent, it is most frequently used with other more potent anesthetics to reduce
the dosage needed to maintain adequate effect.  You're right about the need
for oxygen though.  Nitrous oxide is administered with no less than 30% oxygen
to maintain sufficient levels to the blood stream, and thus the heart and
brain.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
