N2O is not only for chefs – how does nitrous oxide help to alleviate pain? 

Nitrous oxide is widely used both in the food industry and in medicine. Thanks to its specific properties, this chemical compound is valued for its versatility. From culinary creations, through painless dental treatment, to advanced anaesthesiological procedures – N₂O plays a significant role in various fields. 

What is N₂O and how is it used?

In its purest form, nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a colourless, odourless gas. Depending on its quality and purity, it can have three types of applications:

• technical: technical nitrous oxide, i.e. that of the lowest quality, is used in industry, for example, in metal welding;
• food-related: in the catering industry, nitrous oxide is mainly used to whip cream and different kinds of foams;
• medical: medical N₂O, i.e. that of the highest quality, is used primarily in anaesthesiology and dentistry; its purity must meet the highest standards because it directly affects patients’ health.

N₂O in the catering industry: examples of culinary applications

In the kitchen, nitrous oxide makes it possible to prepare light, fluffy desserts and gives the dishes extraordinary texture. Noox food-grade nitrous oxide is an example of top-quality gas (with medical gas parameters) used in the catering industry – it is available in two versions:

• Noox Day – intended for the preparation of desserts and cocktails in restaurants and confectioneries;

• Noox Night – thanks to its aesthetic bottle that glows in the dark, it is intended mainly for bars and nightclubs.

Medical applications of nitrous oxide in pain alleviation

Nitrous oxide has been used since the 19th century in medicine, and it remains one of the most frequently chosen pain relief methods today. It is used in multiple fields, from dentistry to anaesthesiology.

How does N₂O affect the body?

Nitrous oxide affects the central nervous system, having an analgesic and calming effect. Once N₂O has been administered, the transmission of pain stimuli in the brain is blocked, reducing the patient’s feeling of pain. In addition, this gas causes a feeling of euphoria and relaxation, which is used to reduce stress related to medical procedures. It does not cause deep anaesthesia in small doses, thanks to which the patient remains conscious.

N₂O in dentistry – first steps in medicine

The first medical application of nitrous oxide occurred in 1844, when Horace Wells, a dentist, used it during a tooth extraction. The patient felt no pain during the procedure thanks to administering the gas, which heralded a new era in medicine. From that moment onwards, the gas started to be commonly used in dentistry – both in adults and children — to alleviate pain and stress.

Use of N₂O in anaesthesiology

Nitrous oxide is widely used in anaesthesiology as an adjuvant to other anaesthetics. It is used during many medical procedures when combined with oxygen. It is applied primarily for short-lasting procedures, such as anaesthesia during childbirth or minor surgeries, where only partial anaesthesia is needed.

Possible applications in other medical fields

Nitrous oxide is also used in other areas of medicine, such as paediatrics and neurology. Due to its properties, it is used to treat anxiety and stress in patients prior to procedures and in the treatment of chronic pain conditions, such as migraines. N₂O can be safely used even in paediatric patients when combined with oxygen.

Gas with versatile applications

Nitrous oxide is a versatile gas that is used in the kitchen, in industry, and in medicine. However, it is worth pointing out that its quality and purity play a major role in its selection for use – for example, increased exposure to N₂O used in industry may lead to severe health implications. Therefore, choosing products from appropriate sources is important, and the Noox brand — which is aimed at the food industry — is a perfect example here.