[Nitrous oxide as a party drug].

Summary

Nitrous oxide, widely available in Germany without legal restrictions, is popular for its euphoric and psychedelic effects but poses serious health risks. Long-term use can cause anemia and nerve damage, while acute consumption may lead to life-threatening events such as accidents, pneumothorax, pneumopericardium, or shock from airway pressure spikes. The most common severe complication is asphyxia from inhaling pure gas without oxygen, with hypoxia potentially worsened by diffusion hypoxia during reoxygenation. Acute treatment is symptomatic, and nitrous oxide as a cause is often identified only through patient history.

Study at a glance

Abstract

In recent years, reports of health problems associated with nitrous oxide consumption have significantly increased. In Germany, nitrous oxide (N2O) is easily available in cartridges without legal restrictions. The main reason for its popularity in the party scene are the euphoric, psychedelic effects of the gas. In addition to severe and sometimes irreversible health problems associated with long-term use of nitrous oxide, e.g., anemia and nerve damage, life-threatening or fatal consequences of acute nitrous oxide consumption can also occur: accidents under the influence of nitrous oxide, pneumothorax, pneumopericardium and shock due to an explosive increase in airway pressure when inhaled directly from the cartridge. But the most common cause of severe complications is asphyxia as the gas is usually inhaled pure from large balloons and without oxygen. The resulting hypoxia during use may be perpetuated by the diffusion hypoxia that occurs during the reoxygenation period. Nitrous oxide as a cause in accidental or intoxication events is usually not detectable but can only be identified as a trigger based on the patient's history or the circumstances. Acute medical treatment is symptomatic.

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