Recreational use of nitrous oxide causes seizure, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and pneumopericardium: nitrous oxide and its harm, a case report
Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences December 8, 2023 DOI: 10.48101/ujms.v128.10281 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractInhaling nitrous oxide from whippets, small canisters of 100% concentrated gas sold for food preparation, can cause hypoxia leading to seizures or death. Rarely, it also causes pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and pneumopericardium. A case study illustrates these dangers from recreational abuse of the drug.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Inhaling nitrous oxide from whippets can cause hypoxia, seizures, death, and rarely pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and pneumopericardium. |
Abstract
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as ‘laughing gas’, has become a popular recreational drug. Whippets, small canisters containing gas in pressurized form, can be easily obtained from a food store. However, inhaling nitrous oxide from these canisters, which contain a 100% concentration, can lead to hypoxia, resulting in seizures or even death. Inhalation of nitrous oxide rarely causes pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and pneumopericardium. This case study highlights the potential dangers of recreational abuse of nitrous oxide.