” Clinicians should check laughing gas use in patients with inexplicable findings suggestive of vitamin B12 deficiency or other suitable neurologic symptoms,” the authors conclude.
Recommendation: “Diagnosis and management of toxicity associated with the recreational usage of laughing gas” by Cyrille De Halleux and David N. Juurlink, 21 August 2023, Canadian Medical Association Journal.DOI: 10.1503/ cmaj.230196.
Nitrous oxide, typically referred to as “chuckling gas”, is a commonly recognized leisure drug, especially among young individuals. Medical specialists are advised to concern clients about nitrous oxide usage if they provide signs suggestive of vitamin B12 shortage.
Nitrous oxide, commonly called “laughing gas,” is not just a popular leisure drug, particularly amongst the youth, however likewise an anesthetic often used in dental and pediatric treatments. Due to its affordability and easy online accessibility, numerous are resorting to its use for a quick high. In the 2021 Global Drug Survey, 10% of all participants, and 15% of Canadian participants, indicated having used the drug in the previous year.
Growing Concerns Among Professionals
” The low expense of and ease of access to laughing gas make it a popular leisure drug, particularly amongst younger individuals,” writes Dr. Cyrille De Halleux, an expert in internal medication, vital care, and resident at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and chief fellow in the Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario.
Health Implications of Nitrous Oxide
Persistent usage of nitrous oxide can trigger practical vitamin B12 deficiency, which can result in long-term health effects, especially neurological effects. The three most common discussions of toxicity are damage to the spinal cable (myelopathy), nerve damage impacting strength and sensation (neuropathy), and behavioral problems (encephalopathy). Treatment consists of stopping the use of the substance, vitamin B12 supplementation, and methionine.
Nitrous oxide, frequently referred to as “chuckling gas”, is an extensively acknowledged recreational drug, particularly among young people. Medical experts are advised to question patients about nitrous oxide use if they provide signs suggestive of vitamin B12 shortage.
Persistent use of nitrous oxide can cause functional vitamin B12 shortage, which can result in long-lasting health results, specifically neurological consequences.