Basic Properties of Nitrous Oxide Gas

It is said that “understanding is deeper than knowledge.” Likewise, there will be many of us who know nitrous oxide or are familiar with it, but few who understand it. This chapter will try to bridge the gap between our knowledge and understanding. After a brief look at the history and process of manufacturing and properties of the gas, we will introduce our readers to the pharmacology of the gas. We will learn the science behind some of the properties of the gas (such as quick onset and recovery) which make it perhaps a safe anxiolytic agent to be used in our offices. The readers will also gain a better insight into systemic effects of the gas and well known phenomenon like diffusion hypoxia and concentration effect. In the end, the authors discuss what a “normal recovery” from nitrous oxide sedation should look like and what factors can affect it.