State health officials are warning residents about the rise in nitrous oxide-related emergencies in Michigan.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued the warning on Wednesday, June 4, and said there has been a significant increase in health care incidents related to the recreational use of nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas.”
Michigan sees significant rise in ER visits, EMS responses due to nitrous oxide misuse
From 2019 to 2024, calls to the Michigan Poison and Drug Information Center about nitrous oxide misuse increased by 533%.
Response to nitrous oxide misuse by emergency medical service personnel increased by 553% during that same period.
From 2019 to 2023, emergency department visits due to nitrous oxide misuse increased by 757% in Michigan, according to the state health department.
Related: Nitrous oxide misuse - What Michigan residents need to know
“This is a serious public health problem. At the MiPDC, our consultants are encountering a significant increase in cases involving neurological and cardiovascular effects related to the recreational use of nitrous oxide,” said Dr. Varun Vohra, MiPDC senior director and clinical toxicologist. “Individuals who use nitrous oxide and clinicians who treat them should be aware of the symptoms and long-term risks associated with chronic recreational misuse.”
What to know about nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas that is used as an anesthetic and analgesic in medical settings, and is used commercially in steel aerosol whipped cream dispensers, according to health officials. People can buy nitrous oxide online or at grocery stores and smoke/vape shops, and the products are typically marketed to young residents, coming in a variety of flavors.
“The drug landscape is constantly changing, and the increases in nitrous oxide misuse are concerning, given the widespread availability of the product and the increase in multiple substance use,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “It is crucial that individuals who use nitrous oxide are aware of the risks of chronic use and take steps to reduce its harms.”
Related: Surge in nitrous oxide abuse raises alarming health concerns in Michigan
Symptoms of frequent nitrous oxide use
People use nitrous oxide recreationally because of the hallucinogenic state it induces, but chronic use can seriously affect a person’s neurological health, according to health officials.
Symptoms of long-term use include the following:
- Weakness
- Numbness/tingling
- Loss of sensations in arms or legs, memory impairment
- Delusions
- Depression and mood changes
- Severe effect: Hypoxia (low oxygen in blood) and asphyxiation
Anyone who experiences these symptoms after using nitrous oxide should stop and seek medical care, the MDHHS said.
People can also call the MiDPC at 800-222-1222 for more information.
For more information, you can view a report on recreation nitrous oxide misuse in Michigan on the CDC’s website.