Nitrous oxide consumption, known as the “laugh gas”, for recreational purposes is bringing young Portuguese to the hospital with serious neurological injuries, a situation that worries health professionals and safety forces.
Hospitals have communicated these cases to the Anti-Something Center (CIAV) of the National Institute of Emergency Medicine (INEM). Since 2020, 21 situationsmost involving boys between 20 and 29 yearsreveals to Lusa the coordinator of CIAV, Fatima Rato.
In 2020, three cases were recorded, four in 2021, one in 2022. In 2023, no situation was recorded, and in 2024, eight were pointed out.
In the first two months of this year, Five poisoning by this gas.
The most serious case happened in 2024when a 29 -year -old got breathing difficulties, after inhaling “a highest dose”Of this gas.
“Stayed in a coma And it had to be hospitalized in an intensive care unit, ”says an INEM doctor.
What is nitrous oxide
Also known as “laugh gas” or “”, nitrous oxide is a chemical compound formed nitrogen and oxygen molecules.
AND colorless and has a slightly sweet taste, being used in areas such as medicine, such as anesthetic and analgesic in medical and dental procedures, and in the food industry, in sprays de chantilly.
The automotive industry also uses nitrous oxide as a component to increase the power of engines in running cars.
Nitrous oxide is also a greenhouse gascontributing to global warming and to damage the ozone layer.
Prolonged use can cause changes in the central nervous system
Neuropediatrician Rita Silva, from Dona Estefânia Pediatric Hospital, in Lisbon, reports that the hospital has been following “one or another case”, but says she is aware of several, namely at Garcia de Orta Hospital in Almada.
“Not even two weeks ago we had a teenager who had already come to the emergency service and then returned with a very serious picture of lack of strength, imbalance and changes in limb sensitivity, to the point that it is difficult for him to walk without support, by consumption of “, says Rita Silva.
The teenager, aged between 15 and 16, will now be subjected to “an intensive program of rehabilitation“.
The expert also explains that most young people consume nitrous oxide in a recreational and sporadic way, but warns that the Use of “more continuous way” It decreases the levels of vitamin B12, fundamental to myelin sheath formation that surrounds the nerves.
“When myelin is deficient, the correct transmission of the nervous impulse is not made and this can give Central nervous system changes“Such as memory loss, mental confusion and hallucinations.
Young people consume nitrous oxide for the feeling of euphoria
Rita Silva also notices that gas causes “changes in the perception of space and time”, creating a dissociative effect of reality, with Sensations of euphoria which last “30 to 60 seconds” – this is the purpose intended by young people.
But continued use of “laughter gas” can also cause damage at peripheral level of the nerves and muscles, resulting in “Lack of strength in the membersAnd in serious coordination and balance changes.
“They even walk with what we call ataxia, They look drunkand have sensitivity changes ”, such as“formiguers Or even don’t feel members, ”says the expert.
The neuropediatrician notes that it is important to detect and treat these situations early, otherwise the Sequelae can be irreversible.
“If it’s a Heavy consumption Ou chronicWe know that it may have organic consequences that, even under treatment, may be irreversible, ”adds Pediatrician Margarida Alcafache, from the ULS São José Adolescents Unit, at Dona Estefânia Hospital.
Margarida Alcafache also warns of the consequences of this consumption at the pulmonary level, but stresses that “ neurological toxicity“It’s” the most worrying, the most serious. “
The pediatrician also points out that there are reports abroad asphyxia deathsfollowing inhaling nitrous oxide, using plastic bags on the head.
PSP concerned with easy lit to nitrous oxide
The PSP reveals concern for the consumption of nitrous oxide since April 2021, when it has issued an alert to reinforce the inspection and consumption inspection measures of this gas.
Nitrous oxide was included in 2022, in the List of new psychoactive substances.
In 2022, PSP made 173 Nitrous oxide seizures (in cylinders or balloons), 69 in 2023, and 152 last year.
The cylinders are also Easy access Through the internet, or even social networks. But they can also find themselves in commercial establishments.
“This gas, odorless and colorless, became a Popular Drugs at Parties And in the context of night fun, ”says a note from the PSP.
“It can be inhaled through Balloons or cartridges sold for cookinglike those found in whipped cream containers, ”says PSP, also warning of the risks of its use.
The institute for additive behaviors and dependencies (ICAD) has closely followed the evolution of these consumptions.
ICAD Psychologist Andreia Ribeiro points out that “Low risk perception”Among young people leads them to expose themselves to this behavior, without awareness of their possible consequences.
Therefore, the ICAD professional highlights the importance of preventive work in school and university environment.
