The phrase drifted through the emergency department in the plain language of alarm: his legs were like jelly. What had begun as a brief experiment—balloons filled and laughter rising—ended instead beneath fluorescent lights and the steady rhythm of hospital monitors.
A man was hospitalized after inhaling nitrous oxide, commonly known as “nangs,” in an incident that left him temporarily unable to stand. According to medical staff, he presented with weakness, loss of coordination, and difficulty walking after repeatedly inhaling the gas over a short period.
Nitrous oxide is widely used in medical and dental settings for anesthesia and pain relief, but it is also sold legally in small canisters for culinary purposes, such as whipping cream. When inhaled recreationally, however, it can deprive the body of oxygen and disrupt vitamin B12 function, potentially leading to nerve damage. Health professionals warn that heavy or repeated use may result in numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, long-term neurological impairment.
Doctors treating the man said his symptoms were consistent with acute neurological effects linked to nitrous oxide misuse. Blood tests and neurological assessments were conducted to evaluate possible vitamin deficiencies and nerve involvement. He was admitted for monitoring and supportive treatment.
In recent years, concerns about “nangs” have surfaced in multiple regions, particularly as the small silver canisters are inexpensive and easy to obtain. While some users describe short-lived euphoria, medical experts emphasize the risks associated with excessive inhalation, including falls, oxygen deprivation, and damage to the spinal cord and peripheral nerves.
Public health agencies have increasingly highlighted the need for awareness, especially among young people. Episodes of collapse or sudden weakness—like the description of legs turning to jelly—often signal more serious internal disruption than the brief high might suggest.
The man is expected to recover, though doctors have advised strict avoidance of further nitrous oxide use and follow-up assessments to ensure no lasting nerve injury. For clinicians, cases like this underscore a broader pattern: substances that appear harmless in one context can carry hidden consequences in another.
Outside the hospital, the canisters remain small and metallic, unassuming in appearance. But inside emergency rooms, their effects can feel anything but.
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Sources
ABC News The Guardian Australian Department of Health Royal Australian College of General Practitioners