Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is an inhaled sedative used in medical and dental procedures. Healthcare providers administer it to reduce anxiety and discomfort, helping patients relax during minor interventions.
How Laughing Gas Affects Pain
Nitrous oxide impacts pain perception through its actions as both an analgesic and a sedative. While it reduces the sensation of pain and induces relaxation, it does not function as a complete anesthetic that causes unconsciousness or total pain blockage. The gas primarily works by modulating neurotransmitter systems within the brain. It acts as an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, which decreases excitatory neural activity, contributing to both sedation and pain relief. Additionally, nitrous oxide enhances the release of endogenous opioids, the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals, and increases the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
These interactions collectively work to raise the pain threshold, making pain signals less intense and more tolerable for the patient. Nitrous oxide’s effect on pain is rapid, often felt within 20 to 30 seconds of inhalation, and it reaches its full effect within a few minutes.
Expected Sensations During Use
When under the influence of laughing gas, individuals typically experience mild and pleasant sensations. Patients often report feeling calm, relaxed, and sometimes a sense of mild euphoria or giddiness. It is common to feel light-headed, a tingling sensation in the arms and legs, or a feeling of heaviness, as if sinking into the chair. This detached and relaxed state allows patients to remain conscious and responsive to instructions from their healthcare provider.
While pain sensitivity is reduced, the gas does not typically cause complete numbness like a local anesthetic. These effects usually begin within three to five minutes and wear off quickly once the gas flow is stopped.
Scenarios Where Pain Might Still Be Felt
Despite its pain-reducing properties, it is possible to feel some pain even while using laughing gas. Nitrous oxide is not a strong enough anesthetic to eliminate all pain, especially for more invasive or intense procedures. For procedures expected to cause significant pain, a local anesthetic is typically administered in conjunction with nitrous oxide to ensure comprehensive pain relief.
Several factors can influence the effectiveness of laughing gas in managing pain. An insufficient dosage or individual variations in how a person responds to the gas can lead to continued discomfort. Some people naturally have higher pain thresholds or may be less sensitive to the effects of nitrous oxide. The specific type and duration of the procedure also play a role, as longer or more complex treatments may require stronger pain management than what laughing gas alone can provide.
What To Do If You Feel Pain
If you feel discomfort or pain during a procedure with laughing gas, communicate this immediately to your healthcare provider. You will remain conscious and able to vocalize your sensations. Your provider can then assess the situation and make necessary adjustments to ensure your comfort. This might involve increasing the concentration of nitrous oxide, though the maximum safe level is typically 70% with 30% oxygen.
In many cases, the provider may administer additional local anesthetic to numb the specific area more thoroughly. They can modify your sedation or pain management plan to address any discomfort you experience.