Doctors warn of emerging public health issue from recreational use of laughing gas

Nitrous oxide – otherwise known as laughing gas – is regularly used by doctors and dentists to sedate patients undergoing minor procedures while it is also used as in aerosol, a fuel additive and an additive to whipped cream. File photo 

Doctors at one of Ireland’s largest hospitals have warned that the increasing use of nitrous oxide as a recreational drug is an emerging public health issue as it can lead to the deterioration of a user’s nervous system and spinal cord.

Medical staff at St James’ Hospital in Dublin have expressed concern about two cases of young men who presented in the hospital’s emergency department with progressive disorders of nerves in their arms and legs related to their use of nitrous oxide.