Severe Orofacial Cryogenic Injury Requiring Tracheostomy Due to Recreational Nitrous Oxide Inhalation
Nathaniel Walker, Abdullah Altorbag, Ali Dehghani, Bowranigan Tharmalingam, Scott Schmalzried
Journal of Medical Toxicology November 4, 2026 DOI: 10.1007/s13181-026-01163-3 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | A single patient with severe orofacial cryogenic injury from recreational nitrous oxide use |
| Key findings | The authors report a case in which recreational use of commercially available nitrous oxide marketed as Galaxy Gas caused severe orofacial cryogenic injury resulting in prolonged tracheostomy dependence. They note that nitrous oxide use can cause frostbite injuries at any site of direct contact with the gas or canister, including the face, oral cavity, and oropharynx. |
Abstract
Abstract: Recreational use of nitrous oxide (N 2 O) has become more popular recently due to its euphoric effect as well as viral social media trends. Nitrous oxide use can cause severe frostbite injuries at any site of direct contact with the gas or canister, including the face, oral cavity, and oropharynx. We present a case of severe orofacial cryogenic injury from commercially available nitrous oxide marketed as Galaxy Gas resulting in prolonged tracheostomy dependence.