[Nitrous oxide as a party drug].
Die Anaesthesiologie July 1, 2024 Thomas Ziegenfuß, Rolf Zander 5 citations
Health problems linked to nitrous oxide use are rising in Germany, where the gas is easily available without legal restrictions. While long-term use can cause anemia and nerve damage, acute consumption can lead to life-threatening complications: accidents, pneumothorax, pneumopericardium, and shock from explosive airway pressure when inhaled directly from a cartridge. The most common severe complication is asphyxia, because the gas is typically inhaled pure from balloons without oxygen. Resulting hypoxia may be prolonged by diffusion hypoxia during reoxygenation. Nitrous oxide is usually undetectable in intoxication events and identified only through patient history. Acute treatment is symptomatic.