Nitrous oxide and oxygen use in hospitals
WHAT IS NITROUS OXIDE?
* Known as "laughing gas" nitrous oxide is colourless, non-flammable gas used to relieve pain and anxiety.
* Administered to women during labour and dental patients undergoing minor procedures.
HOW IS OXYGEN USED?
* Given to newborns with breathing issues due to heart or lung problems.
* Administered via a nasal cannula or an oxygen hood placed over the baby's head.
* Lack of oxygen at birth can lead to long-term disabilities and developmental delays.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN NITROUS OXIDE REPLACES OXYGEN?
* Oxygen is vital for brain development in infancy.
* Oxygen deprivation will cause brain damage or death.
* Nitrous oxide is generally only given to children 18-24 months or older.
* Difficult to predict long-term effects of replacing oxygen with nitrous oxide without knowing exact age and how long the child was deprived of oxygen.
SOURCE: Dr Paul Bauert, head of pediatrics Royal Darwin Hospital
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