Better known as "laughing gas", nitrous oxide is a growing concern for health authorities. More and more young people are consuming them, putting their health at risk.

INTERVIEW

Since the beginning of the year, the addictovigilance center in the north of France has identified four cases of combined sclerosis of the spinal cord. All are the result of consumption of nitrous oxide. Young people consume more and more, which worries the health authorities. Especially since these cartridges of gas that one inhales is very simply in the trade. They are for example used in whipped cream bottles.

A form of addiction

"Before 2017, the use was known punctually in certain festive circles," says Sylvie Deheul. But this doctor at the regional addictovigilance center of Hauts-de-France noticed a banalization of this consumption of nitrous oxide, "in view of the number of cartridges that can be found on the public space."

"It can go from ten to twenty cartridges a day," explains Sylvie Deheul, "at greater consumption": up to "200 to 300 cartridges" per day. This testifies according to her "a loss of control". "It could be like addiction."

Decrease in strength and loss of balance

Regular consumers of these "hilarious gases" can see their muscular strength drop, "with difficulty to perform simple actions," says Sylvie Deheul, "such as taking things, walking, sitting or climbing the stairs". But this is not the only change that needs to alert. "There are also disorders of balance" says this doctor at the regional addictovigilance center of Hauts-de-France. "What is fundamental, it is to stop any consumption" precise Sylvie Deheul which advises to consult a doctor as soon as possible.