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CD-ROM Today (UK) (Spanish) 15
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1994-01-17
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$Unique_ID{BRK01002}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Why On Earth Would Anyone Inhale Nitrous Oxide for Fun?}
$Subject{inhalant nitrous oxide abuse laughing gas Community Social Problems
anesthetic euphoria intoxication nausea vomiting shivering trembling
hallucinations confusion obstetrical analgesia pain suppression consciousness
behavior behaviors}
$Volume{Q-23}
$Log{}
Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
Why On Earth Would Anyone Inhale Nitrous Oxide for Fun?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: Why on earth would anyone inhale nitrous oxide for fun? I'm a
metallurgist, not a biochemist, but it seems to me that the 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?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
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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.