This Is Why You Should Avoid Inhaling Laughing Gas

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 nose
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Psychiatric conditions

How 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.