Recreational use of nitrous oxide causes seizure, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and pneumopericardium: nitrous oxide and its harm, a case report

Abstract

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as ‘laughing gas’, has become a popular recreational drug. Whippets, small canisters containing gas in pressurized form, can be easily obtained from a food store. However, inhaling nitrous oxide from these canisters, which contain a 100% concentration, can lead to hypoxia, resulting in seizures or even death. Inhalation of nitrous oxide rarely causes pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and pneumopericardium. This case study highlights the potential dangers of recreational abuse of nitrous oxide.