School of Medicine, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK.
Department of Radiology, Royal Blackburn Hospital, Blackburn, UK.
Br J Hosp Med (Lond). 2021 Dec 2;82(12):1-8. doi: 10.12968/hmed.2021.0322. Epub 2021 Dec 15.
Nitrous oxide, also known as 'laughing gas', is one of the most widely used recreational drugs among teenagers in the UK. Copious inhalation of nitrous oxide may increase intra-alveolar pressure, resulting in barotrauma secondary to alveolar rupture. Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema are common clinical findings in nitrous oxide-associated barotrauma. Prolonged nitrous oxide misuse may inactivate vitamin B through the alteration of its metabolism, causing demyelination of the central and peripheral nervous system. A spectrum of neurological manifestations has been reported, including peripheral neuropathy, myelopathy and subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord. Medical therapies and psychosocial interventions aiming at nitrous oxide cessation are important treatment steps to achieve partial or complete recovery from the adverse effects associated with inhalation of nitrous oxide.
一氧化二氮，也被称为“笑气”，是英国青少年中使用最广泛的娱乐性药物之一。大量吸入一氧化二氮可能会增加肺泡内压力，导致肺泡破裂引起的气压伤。气胸和皮下气肿是与一氧化二氮相关气压伤的常见临床发现。长期滥用一氧化二氮可能会通过改变其代谢来使维生素 B 失活，从而导致中枢和周围神经系统脱髓鞘。据报道，有一系列神经系统表现，包括周围神经病、脊髓病和亚急性联合变性。旨在停止使用一氧化二氮的医学治疗和心理社会干预是实现从与吸入一氧化二氮相关的不良反应中部分或完全康复的重要治疗步骤。
