Sedation - Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide is an anaesthetic gas. It can be given to your child to breath during a procedure to help reduce any discomfort they have and to help them to feel calm. It has been safely used for patients of many ages in dental clinics, during child birth and in Emergency Departments for several years. It is often referred to as 'laughing gas'.
Before the procedure
Nitrous oxide helps most children feel drowsy and relaxed within a few minutes. In most cases, using it means a necessary procedure can be completed with minimal discomfort or distress to your child.
It will involve a specially trained doctor or nurse putting a mask directly onto your child's face which will cover their nose and mouth. This can be a little frightening, especially for younger children. However, once the gas takes effect, most children do not mind it being there. It can be useful to let the child see and touch the mask or practice breathing with the mask before the gas is turned on. Your child may also like to choose a smell to be put inside the mask (e.g. chocolate essence).
It is important that your child has had nothing to eat or drink for at least two hours before they are given nitrous oxide. This helps reduce the chance of them having a large vomit while they are drowsy.
During the procedure
Your child will still be awake and able to breathe normally when having the nitrous oxide during the procedure.
Sometimes children can feel dizzy and a little bit nauseous (a bit sick) when having the gas. Some children may even vomit. There is no need to worry if this happens to your child. Your child's breathing and oxygen levels will be very closely monitored at all times by the doctor or nurse who is giving the gas to them.
You are welcome to stay with your child while they are having the nitrous oxide. You can help them by holding their hand and talking to them or using a toy or book as an object for distraction. Ask the doctor or nurse what to do if you feel unsure.
It is recommended that pregnant women do not have contact with nitrous oxide. If you are or think you may be pregnant please discuss this with a doctor or nurse before accompanying your child for the procedure.
After the procedure
After the procedure is finished, the nitrous oxide will be turned off and your child will be given pure oxygen to breath through the same mask for two to three minutes. This helps to clear the body of any gas. Most children feel back to normal within 10 minutes and many can't remember much about the procedure.
Your child can eat and drink once they have fully recovered and you have checked with the doctor or nurse.
It is very important that your child stays in the hospital until a doctor or nurse says it is safe for them to go home. It is also important that they are accompanied home by a responsible adult.
There are no reported cases of nitrous oxide causing long term side effects.
Key points to remember
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It is very important that you ask a doctor or nurse any questions you may have about nitrous oxide before you give your consent.
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Make sure you understand the reasons for your child having nitrous oxide and the possible risks involved.
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Feel free to ask questions before, during and after the procedure if you have any.
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Developed by the Royal Children's Hospital Procedural Pain Team. First published in June 2007. |