Nitrous Oxide

Key points about nitrous oxide

• it helps to be near and to comfort your child during the use of nitrous oxide
• this gas is safe for use in tamariki and there are no known long-term side effects from occasional use
• your child will feel more comfortable if you stay with them during the procedure

What is nitrous oxide?

You may know nitrous oxide as 'happy gas' or 'laughing gas'. It is a colourless gas with a slightly sweet smell, used to ease pain and anxiety. It is often given at the dentist or to ease the pain of labour in childbirth.

How nitrous oxide can help

Your child may receive nitrous oxide during procedures such as:

• stitches
• dressings
• tube changes
• 'moving x-ray' (fluoroscopy)

The gas helps to ease the pain and anxiety your child may feel, but usually does not make them fall fully asleep.

How nitrous oxide may make your child feel

When your child starts to breathe the nitrous oxide, they will feel drowsy within a couple of minutes. The health professional will give your child the gas until the procedure finishes. It will wear off quickly when the gas is stopped. This means your child can quickly get back to their usual activities such as playing and eating.

The gas may make your child feel 'floaty', warm and tingly. Your child may or may not remember anything about the procedure.

How nitrous oxide is given

Before the procedure

A health professional will give nitrous oxide to your child. They will assess your child to make sure it is the best option before giving it to your child. Nitrous oxide is not suitable for all tamariki. If your child has a cold or any other respiratory concerns, then it may not be suitable. Your child needs to be able to breathe through a mask or mouthpiece and follow simple instructions.

You will be asked to make sure your child stops eating and drinking for a certain time before they have the gas. This is usually at least 2 hours but may be longer. This helps reduce the chance of your child feeling sick or vomiting.

How the gas is given

A health professional will give your child a mask or a mouthpiece attached to a machine. Your child will breathe the gas through this. It helps if your child is able to see and play with the mask before the procedure. This way, they will feel more comfortable when it’s put on their face.

A health professional may need to hold the mask firmly over your child's face at first. This is until the gas starts to work and your child relaxes. Some tamariki may not like the mask on their face. It might make them feel confused or upset, so it's important to stay close and comfort them.

The best thing you can do is to stay where your child can see you and hold their hand. The gas will be given a few minutes before the procedure starts and will continue until it is finished.

During the procedure

A health professional will be with your child the whole time. They will monitor your child closely during the procedure.

After the procedure

When the health professional stops the nitrous oxide, your child will receive oxygen through a mask to clear the gas from their lungs. This last stage is very important. After your child has had the oxygen and is awake and alert, they will be able to eat and drink normally.

Potential risks from having nitrous oxide

This gas is safe for use in tamariki and there are no known long-term side effects from occasional use.

Other side effects may occur, but they are usually minor and get better quickly.

Some tamariki:

• feel sick or vomit during nitrous oxide sedation
• may feel dizzy or unsteady for a short time afterwards
• may feel confused or behave differently while the gas is working

The health professionals caring for your child will know how to handle these issues if they happen.

Supporting your child when they have nitrous oxide

The best thing you can do is to stay where your child can see you and hold their hand.

Stay with your child

It’s helpful for parents to stay with their child. They can look after and comfort them during and after most procedures. If you feel you are unable to be there, ask another adult who your child is comfortable with to be there on the day.

Answer questions honestly

If your child asks about the procedures, reassure them. Explain what is happening and why in simple terms. Always tell the truth.

The staff are there to help you and your child. If you need more information, ask the health professional caring for your child.

Bring a familiar comfort item

It is usually helpful to bring your child's comfort toys or items which help them relax. For example a teddy, dummy, blanket, book, or a phone or tablet with a favourite game. These familiar items can be very comforting.

Use distraction techniques

Sometimes, it helps to distract your child. You can tell stories, talk about the whānau (family), or anything else to take their mind off the procedure. Remain calm - if you get upset, so will your child.