What is laughing gas? Smiling gas is harmful to health like?

Dinitrogen oxide (N2O) or laughing gas is a colorless, odorless substance, also known as "laughing gas". Because, when inhaled, this chemical compound slows down the body's reaction time, making the body feel excited and happy.

Laughing gas can be used to relieve pain. It also functions as a mild sedative. So sometimes it is used before conducting dental procedures to relax patients and reduce anxiety.

Laughing gas has a sedative effect very quickly and deeply. It is safe. But like any medicine, nitrous oxide has side effects. Here is some general information about laughing gas, according to Healthline.com.

Dinitrogen oxide is a colorless, odorless substance, also known as "laughing gas". (Illustration).

Laughing gas cause short-term side effects?

Although laughing gas can cause side effects when inhaled, many people almost notice no reaction. 

If side effects occur, they are usually caused by excessive inhalation or rapid inhalation.

Common short-term side effects include:

1. Sweating a lot
2. Creepy
3. Nausea
4. Vomit
5. Dizzy
6. Tired

Some people experience hallucinations or a deformed voice after breathing nitrous oxide.

Sometimes the doctor lets the patient breathe both oxygen and laughing gas. If not, the patient will receive oxygen for about 5 minutes after the doctor stops laughing. Oxygen eliminates any residual gas in the patient's body. This will help them regain consciousness after the procedure. Getting enough oxygen can also prevent headaches, another side effect of laughing gas.

Patients may drive themselves home after being filled with laughter but must wait until they are fully awake, usually about 15 minutes.

Before laughing, tolerate eating light meals. This can prevent nausea and vomiting. Also, avoid high-meal meals for at least three hours after receiving gas.

Be alert for signs and symptoms of allergic reactions after breathing in laughing air. These symptoms may include: 

1. Fever
2. Chills
3. Dizziness
4. Wheeze
5. Shortness of breath

Get immediate medical help if you have any of these signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction.

What are the long-term side effects of laughing gas?

Laughing gas does not seem to cause long-term side effects.

In any case, however, inform your doctor if you have any unusual symptoms after receiving laughter or if you have side effects for hours or days after the procedure.

Remember that while laughing is safe, not everyone can tolerate it. Based on your medical history, your doctor can determine if this is a sedative that is right for you.

You cannot use laughing gas if:

1. In the first trimester of pregnancy.
2. History of respiratory disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
3. Deficiency of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase.
4. Deficiency of cobalamin (vitamin B-12).
5. Used to be related to mental health diseases.
6. Having a history of substance use.

Although no long-term side effects have been detected, the use of laughing gas or long-term exposure to the workplace may cause long-term complications, such as vitamin B-12 deficiency or anemia. Severe deficiency of vitamin B-12 can cause nerve damage, leading to tingling or numbness in fingers, toes and limbs.

Side effects of nitrous oxide in children 

Smiling gas is also used safely as a safety drug for toddlers and children. Similar to adults, children and toddlers using nitrous oxide laugh may experience short-term side effects, such as:

1. Headache
2. Vomit
3. Nausea
4. Creepy
5. Tired

Children may also be slightly disoriented and irritable after receiving air. Again, these effects disappear quickly and cause no long-term problems.

Although safe and used medically, dinitrogen oxide is also at risk if overdosed.

What are the symptoms of laughing gas overdose?

Although safe and used medically, dinitrogen oxide is also at risk if overdosed. This may occur due to long term exposure or by receiving too much air.

1. Signs of an overdose may include:
2. Irritating to nose, eyes and throat
3. Wheezing, coughing or difficulty breathing
4. Choking or chest tightness
5. Convulsions
6. Fingers, toes and lips
7. Fast heart beat
8. Mental disorders or hallucinations
9. Hypertension can also occur, leading to an increased risk of stroke or heart attack.
10. Brain damage is also a possibility when a person receives large amounts of dinitrogen oxide without enough oxygen. If left untreated, an overdose can cause coma or death.

Conclude

Laughing gas is a common sedative method in health and safety, suitable for both adults and children. However, there may be side effects after use.

Most side effects are mild and do not cause permanent damage. But in the case of abuse or misuse, laughing gas can be dangerous, life-threatening.

Also, not everyone can use laughing gas. Tell your doctor about your medical history before the procedure. Based on that information, your doctor can determine if you can use this sedative.