Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a colourless non inflammable gas at room temperature. It has a slight metallic scent and taste. It has been used in anaesthetics because of its pain-relieving property. It is used in surgery and dentistry. Upon inhaling, nitrous oxide can cause euphoric effects. The gas leaves the patient conscious, but dulls his/her pain and awareness. It has a calming effect on people who inhale it, because it promotes the release of endogenous opioid neurotransmitters, which are natural painkillers.
N20 was called the laughing gas’ by chemist Sir Humphry Davy. As part of his experiments with the gas in 1799, he inhaled it through a mouthpiece. He described that he experienced giddiness, flushed cheeks and intense pleasure.
compared to other anesthetic agents, nitrous oxide causes minimal effects on respiration and hemodynamics. It leads to decreased tidal volume and increased respiratory rate but has a minimal impact on overall minute ventilation. Nitrous oxide leads to direct myocardial depression, but nitrous oxide’s sympathetic stimulation reduces this effect, and the net effect is minimal. Unlike other volatile anesthetics, nitrous oxide has no muscle relaxation properties.
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