# what is laughing gas

Nitrous Oxide » Nitrous oxide is an odorless, colorless, non-flammable gas. While nitrous oxide is not flammable, it will support combustion to the same extent as oxygen. It leads to a state of euphoria, explaining its nickname, ‘laughing gas.’ Nitrous oxide is the least potent inhalational anesthetic. Compared to other anesthetic agents, nitrous oxide causes minimal effects on respiration and hemodynamics. It cannot be a sole anesthetic agent and is often combined with a more potent and volatile anesthetic. The combination of analgesic and anesthetic effects makes nitrous oxide a valuable adjunct. This activity outlines the indications, mechanism of action, methods of administration, significant adverse effects, contraindications, monitoring, and toxicity of nitrous oxide, so providers can direct patient therapy to optimal outcomes in anesthesia and other conditions where nitrous oxide has therapeutic benefits. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Laughing gas helpful for labor pain, safe for baby, but ultimately most women switched to an epidural, study shows » Women report being very satisfied with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to manage labor pain, experiencing no adverse side effects to the baby, although over half of the women ultimately opted for an epidural or other pain management technique, suggests a study being presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2019 annual meeting. Asahq.org

Nitrous oxide | Definition, Formula, Uses, Effects, & Facts » Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, one of several oxides of nitrogen, a colorless gas with pleasant, sweetish odor and taste, which when inhaled produces insensibility to pain preceded by mild hysteria, sometimes laughter. It is sometimes used as a recreational drug. Britannica.com

What to Know About Laughing Gas » Find out what you need to know about laughing gas, and discover the uses, effects, and risks it may have on your health. Webmd.com

Laughing gas to become illegal class C substance in UK » People caught producing or selling nitrous oxide could face 14 years in prison under new rules Theguardian.com

5 Things You Should Know About Laughing Gas - Downtown Dental » Laughing gas is a safe oral sedation using nitrous oxide to help relax during a surgery. It's used for children & adults with dental anxiety. Learn more. Downtown-dental.com

Laughing gas for childbirth: 5 FAQ » Laughing gas can control pain during childbirth. Get answers to five questions about nitrous oxide use during labor and delivery. Mayoclinichealthsystem.org

Laughing gas now an option for labor pain in ND » Laughing gas won’t numb or take away any of the pains of delivery, but because of the way it’s administered, moms say it can give them a greater sense of control. Kfyrtv.com

Laughing gas relieves symptoms in people with treatment-resistant depression | Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis » Single treatment provides patients with rapid, lasting antidepressant effects Medicine.wustl.edu