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Step 1
Know the effects of nitrous oxide poisoning. The greatest risk from inhaling nitrous oxide is hypoxia because it displaces oxygen in the lungs. The initial symptoms include hypotension, headaches, dizziness and cardiac arrhythmias. Greater exposure can lead to permanent brain damage from anoxia, cerebral edema and death.
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Step 2
Remove the patient from the source of exposure of nitrous oxide. Side effects from mild exposure to nitrous oxide are rare but may include nausea and vomiting.
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Step 3
Get a medical examination to test for nitrous oxide poisoning. A full blood count is useful for chronic usage and an arterial blood analysis may be helpful in acute cases. Measuring the level of nitrous oxide is not of therapeutic value.
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Step 4
Seek treatment in a hospital setting for nitrous oxide poisoning. Keep the airway clear by removing excess saliva and administer 100 percent oxygen. Provide artificial ventilation if needed and maintain blood pressure and body temperature.
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Step 5
Treat the symptoms of heavy, chronic use of nitrous oxide as in the case of addiction. These include vitamin B12 deficiency, anemia and tinnitus. Neurological damage resulting in numbness and spasms in the extremities may be irreversible. Heavy use of nitrous oxide is especially foetotoxic.
