“The misuse of nitrous oxide is not new, but the number and severity of adverse effects related to this practice have tended to increase since 2018” underlines the Directorate General for Health (DGS). “This change in practices is accompanied by an increase in the number of reports of serious health effects, with damage to the central nervous system and the spinal cord, mainly in men aged 18 to 34.
Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, is used in anesthesia. But it is also a gas that is used in food aerosols. The cartridges are therefore freely available in supermarkets and available on the Internet. Its inhalation causes giggles and a feeling of euphoria. But its use can also cause serious disorders: asphyxiation due to lack of oxygen, loss of consciousness, burns by the cold from the gas expelled from the cartridge, loss of the cough reflex with the risk of misdirection.
10 serious cases with sequelae
In the event of repeated and regular use, the consumer of nitrous oxide risks damage to the spinal cord, vitamin B12 deficiency, anemia and psychic disorders. Thus, since January 2019, 25 reports of severe health effects have been notified to the health authorities, including 10 serious with sequelae. The Directorate General for Health has therefore sent a message to all 17 regional health agencies (ARS) to warn of this misuse.
In the event of difficulty controlling one’s consumption, the Young Consumer Consultations offer a reception and listening service with addiction professionals, totally free and confidential. A directory of consultations is online on the Drogue-info-service website.
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