Health and Me

Ishita Roy

This Is Why You Should Avoid Inhaling Laughing Gas

Laughing gas misuse

Laughing gas has been misused in the United States as it has been sold in small canisters containing flavors like blueberry, strawberry, and watermelon. Health officials are now tracking the rise of this misuse of <span>nitrous oxide</span>. On Friday itself, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers that inhaling gas for its euphoric effects can actually cause health issues, this includes low blood pressure, loss of consciousness and also injury. 

The agency has also flagged a number of products sold in colorful packaging at the gas station, vape shops and online platforms. 

Laughing gas or the nitrous gas has been traditionally used as a sedative for patients in dental offices and hospitals. It is also found in pressurized cans of whipped cream. However, teens and adults have long misused it to get high as the gas can briefly disrupt oxygen flow to the brain. 

While the companies that sell them have to advertise them "For culinary use only" and the products too include disclaimers on their websites warning against inhaling. However, there are plenty of videos online with young people using this product for recreational purposes. Such videos have also circulated on social media platforms for years now. 

The FDA said that there have been an increase is such cases resulting to adverse events with nitrous products. Poison control centers have also reported many emergency calls from people who have been rushed to the hospital after collapsing while they have misused the products.

While there are no federal limits on who can purchase nitrous oxide, some states have passed a minimum age requirement. As per FDA, the gas is regulated as a medical product when used by doctors and dentist, however, it is still unclear how much of it is marketed for culinary use. 

<h4>What Happens When You Inhale Laughing Gas?</h4>

N20, Nitrous oxide or the laughing gas is a short-acting sedative. It is colorless and has a sweet smell to it. Physicians and dentists have used it since the mid 19th century and it remains to be one of the common sedatives used today. 

It slows down your nervous system and induces a sense of calm and euphoria. It can also reduce anxiety and can help you stay comfortable during medical and dental procedures. However, it must be administered by a healthcare professional to ensure there is no overdosing. 

If administered without proper guidance, it can trigger:

<ul><li>Certain respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)</li><li>Stuffy nose</li><li>Vitamin B12 deficiency</li><li>Psychiatric conditions</li></ul>

When administered under a professional healthcare setting, your provider turns off the gas flow and it takes around 5 to 10 minutes for the sedative to leave your system. Driving shortly after your procedure is safe as it is a short-acting sedative. 

If not administered properly, it can cause headaches, nausea and vomiting, and agitation. You can also experience low blood pressure, low oxygen, fainting, heart attack, nerve damage, depression, psychosis, memory loss, muscle spasms, tinnitus, numbness, weakened immune system, and birth defects. 

Health Conditions A-Z

health

laughing gas misuse

nitrous oxide

laughing gas risks

laughing gas sedative

health and wellness

Ways Anger Can Affect Your Health Significantly

Are Fennel Seeds Good For Kidney Health?

National Vaccination Day: Why Should You Stick To Your Vaccination Schedule?

Health & Wellness

10 Upper Body Exercises To Build Arm Strength

10 Foods That Raise Uric Acid Levels

10 Desk Exercises To Keep You Active

10 Exercises To Help You Do Push-Ups Properly

10 Home Exercises For Core Strength

10 Exercises To Help You Relieve Back Pain

10 Low-Sodium Dinner Options You Must Try

10 Health Benefits Of Star Anise

10 Ways To Recover Quickly After Working Out

10 Low-Sodium Healthy Heart Snack

10 Bedtime Habits To Help You Lose Weight

10 Low Carb Lunch Options You Must Try

10 Foods to Avoid Eating During Season

10 Strength Exercises To Help You Burn Belly Fat

10 Food Habits That Are Ruining Your Health

10 Exercises You Should Do For Better Joint Health

10 Foods That Are High-Protein You May Not Know About

10 Fiber Rich Dinner Choices To Try

10 Ways To Curb Unhealthy Cravings

10 Healthy Egg Recipes You Can Try

​10 Morning Exercises You Should Do Everyday​

10 Protein Healthy Bread Recipes

10 Morning Habit You Should Teach Children

10 Nutty Recipes You Should Try For Your Health

10 Exercises You Should Do Before Sleeping

10 Exercises You Should Do For Arm Strength

10 Ways You Can Maximize Your Gym Exercises

10 Exercises You Can Do While Walking

10 Healthy Savoury Pancakes To Have For Breakfast

10 Herbal Tea Mixes For Winters

10 Habits To Ensure Your Teeth Health

10 Detox Juices You Should Try

10 Low Impact Exercises For Weight Loss

10 Foods That Should Be Part Of A Runners Diet

10 Gym Exercises Basketball Players Should Do

10 Light Foods You Can Eat Before Exercises

10 Ways To Beat The Sleep Spell In Office

10 Tips To Help Muscle Recovery

6-6-6 Walking Routine Can Help You Stay Fit

10 Breathing Exercises To Try When You’re Feeling Anxious

Laughing gas has been misused in the United States as it has been sold in small canisters containing flavors like blueberry, strawberry, and watermelon. Health officials are now tracking the rise of this misuse of nitrous oxide. On Friday itself, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers that inhaling gas for its euphoric effects can actually cause health issues, this includes low blood pressure, loss of consciousness and also injury. The agency has also flagged a number of products sold in colorful packaging at the gas station, vape shops and online platforms. What Is The Laughing Gas?Laughing gas or the nitrous gas has been traditionally used as a sedative for patients in dental offices and hospitals. It is also found in pressurized cans of whipped cream. However, teens and adults have long misused it to get high as the gas can briefly disrupt oxygen flow to the brain. While the companies that sell them have to advertise them "For culinary use only" and the products too include disclaimers on their websites warning against inhaling. However, there are plenty of videos online with young people using this product for recreational purposes. Such videos have also circulated on social media platforms for years now. The FDA said that there have been an increase is such cases resulting to adverse events with nitrous products. Poison control centers have also reported many emergency calls from people who have been rushed to the hospital after collapsing while they have misused the products.While there are no federal limits on who can purchase nitrous oxide, some states have passed a minimum age requirement. As per FDA, the gas is regulated as a medical product when used by doctors and dentist, however, it is still unclear how much of it is marketed for culinary use. What Happens When You Inhale Laughing Gas?N20, Nitrous oxide or the laughing gas is a short-acting sedative. It is colorless and has a sweet smell to it. Physicians and dentists have used it since the mid 19th century and it remains to be one of the common sedatives used today. How Does It Work? It slows down your nervous system and induces a sense of calm and euphoria. It can also reduce anxiety and can help you stay comfortable during medical and dental procedures. However, it must be administered by a healthcare professional to ensure there is no overdosing. If administered without proper guidance, it can trigger:Certain respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)Stuffy noseVitamin B12 deficiencyPsychiatric conditionsHow Long Does It Last?When administered under a professional healthcare setting, your provider turns off the gas flow and it takes around 5 to 10 minutes for the sedative to leave your system. Driving shortly after your procedure is safe as it is a short-acting sedative. If not administered properly, it can cause headaches, nausea and vomiting, and agitation. You can also experience low blood pressure, low oxygen, fainting, heart attack, nerve damage, depression, psychosis, memory loss, muscle spasms, tinnitus, numbness, weakened immune system, and birth defects. 