Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is most frequently used in anesthesia and dentistry. However, this gas has shown promise beyond its traditional uses. Researchers and doctors are discovering more uses of nitrous oxide to treat various medical ailments and aid in therapeutic operations.
Here at Pure-Line Plumbing, our team is trained in the installation, verification, maintenance, and instruction of medical gases, such as nitrous oxide, and we have over 25 years of experience in the industry. In this article, we’d like to share a few other important uses of nitrous oxide that may help patients heal and recover.
Here are potential uses for nitrous oxide beyond dentistry and anesthesia:
- Pain Therapy: Due to its analgesic effects, nitrous oxide may help relieve pain from labor, chronic pain syndromes, and medical procedures in a controlled setting, typically with additional analgesics.
- Treating Mood Disorders: Research indicates that nitrous oxide may be effective in treating mood disorders, such as anxiety. Gas affects central nervous system neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine. Research is underway on its rapid-acting antidepressant and anxiolytic properties.
- Brain Impairment: Nitrous oxide has neuroprotective characteristics, making it potentially useful in brain impairment or injury cases. Nitrous oxide may protect the brain from ischemia damage and reduce stroke severity, according to some research.
- Headache Remedy: Nitrous oxide may alleviate cluster headaches in certain people. It is thought that the gas can swiftly relieve pain during an acute attack, making it a potential alternative for patients who don’t react to established treatments.
- Substance Use Disorders: Another school of thought suggests nitrous oxide may aid in controlling substance use disorders, particularly during withdrawal.
While nitrous oxide use beyond dentistry and anesthesia is ongoing, it’s initially uses for dentistry and anesthesia remain. Contact our team if you need a reliable resource for your medical gas needs.