Should i use nitrous oxide

People often refer to nitrous oxide as laughing gas. Once a person uses nitrous oxide, it does not take long before they feel the effects of the gas. Once people stop using it, the effects wear off quickly. Nitrous oxide is generally safe to use for medical and dental procedures.

Medical uses include procedures on toddlers, children, and adults. However, as with any drug, there is a risk of short and long term health effects. There may also be the potential for overdosing. Short term side effects are not very common, but they can occur. The most common reason a person may experience short term side effects is due to inhaling the gas too quickly or inhaling too much. In these circumstances, a few of the most common side effects of nitrous oxide include:.

It is also possible that a person may experience a sensation of being high when they receive nitrous oxide. They may also be aware of sound distortions. During or immediately following the administration of nitrous oxide, a healthcare provider may also give a person oxygen.

When a person receives oxygen after a medical procedure, it is typically to clear the remaining nitrous oxide from their body. This helps the individual regain alertness and can help prevent a headache. People may feel sluggish or not alert following the inhalation of nitrous oxide. This effect typically wears off quickly. People can drive themselves to and from a medical procedure if they receive nitrous oxide, as long as they give themselves adequate time to recover from the gas.

To help avoid stomach issues, a person should eat a light meal and avoid eating a heavy meal for several hours after their procedure. Finally, people should be aware of possible allergic reactions to nitrous oxide. These may occur if someone is experiencing nitrous oxide for the first time, such as a child. If a person experiences any of these during or after receiving nitrous oxide, they should seek medical help immediately.

There is little evidence to suggest that nitrous oxide causes any serious long term side effects. Most of the side effects wear off quickly after use of the gas. A person should still let their healthcare provider know if they experience any unusual side effects or if these last for a few hours to days following their procedure.

Giving nitrous oxide is a way to help reduce a child's pain and anxiety during dental treatment. The gas is given through a small nosepiece, and your child will be awake throughout the procedure.

Children usually recover quickly from the effects of the gas after their dental treatment has been completed. As the parent or carer, you must give your consent to use sedation and consent for the dental procedure. You need to understand the reasons for sedation and the following risks:.

Your child can have a light meal, such as jelly, soup or toast, and a drink two hours before the procedure. After that, they should have nothing to eat or drink until after the procedure. Nitrous oxide sedation is given in the dental chair. Your child will breathe the sedation gas through a small nosepiece that sits on their nose.

It does not cover their mouth. Your child will recover from the effects of the nitrous oxide very quickly once their dental treatment has been completed. They will be observed for a brief period following the sedation. Some children may feel a little sick or nauseated. If they feel sick or vomit, give your child some water to drink. If they refuse water, try clear liquids, such as diluted fruit juice, or icy poles, jelly or clear soup to help keep your child hydrated.

If your child has had a local anaesthetic as well, they need to be careful not to bite their lip or cheek while it is numb. Contact your treating dentist if your child vomits more than twice in the first hour after treatment, or if you have any questions about their recovery. Some people experience a euphoria intense excitement or happiness when they receive nitrous oxide, which is why it is often referred to as laughing gas. However, instead of hyping up your child and making them laugh, it is far more likely to calm them and make them quite drowsy.

This will help you regain alertness after your procedure. Getting sufficient oxygen may also prevent a headache, which is another possible side effect of laughing gas. You should be able to drive yourself home after receiving nitrous oxide at a dental appointment. This may take about 15 minutes, according to the California Dental Association. To prepare your body for nitrous oxide, eat light meals before you receive the gas. This can prevent nausea and vomiting. Also, avoid heavy meals for at least three hours after receiving the gas.

Be alert to signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction after inhaling nitrous oxide. They can include:. Any side effect from nitrous oxide typically reverses itself quickly. In any event, talk to your dentist if you develop any unusual symptoms after receiving nitrous oxide or if a side effect continues for hours or days after a procedure.

Based on your medical history, your doctor can determine whether this is an appropriate sedation method for you. While there are no known long-term side effects, misusing nitrous oxide or long-term exposure to the gas in a work environment may cause long-term complications. Toxic exposure may lead to a vitamin B deficiency or anemia. A severe vitamin B deficiency can cause nerve damage, resulting in tingling or numbness in your fingers, toes, and limbs. 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:. Your child may also appear a little disoriented and irritable after receiving the gas. This can occur due to long-term exposure or from receiving too much of the gas. An increase in blood pressure may also occur. This can raise the risk of a stroke or heart attack.