The Long-term Effects of Nangs: A Comprehensive Guide

Nangs, which is basically a slang term for nitrous oxide, is not only used in whipped cream dispensers or car engines. It’s also used recreationally to get high and is listed as the 13th most popular drug in Australia because of its affordability and availability. And it’s even easier to buy nangs for whipped cream chargers. Regardless of what purpose nangs are used for, there are bound to be some adverse effects from the chemical in the long run. This article will discuss those effects and how to minimize them.

What are the long-term harmful effects of nangs?

While nangs in whipped cream chargers have some benefits, direct use or long-term exposure can harm the body. Here are some examples:

Deficiency of vitamin B12

Some studies suggest nitrous oxide can interfere with the body’s ability to utilize vitamin B12. This may lead to a deficiency over time if long-term consumption is done. This can be very detrimental to health, considering that Vitamin B12 is important for nerve function, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell production.

Hearing Issues

A common side effect of using nangs for a long time is that it may lead to hearing problems. Users have mainly reported facing buzzing and ringing in their ears for prolonged periods, similar to tinnitus.

Eventual Nerve Damage

Prolonged use of nitrous oxide can lead to specific damage to the peripheral nerves. Nerve damage can eventually cause numbness, tingling, and weakness, particularly in the body’s extremities, like the fingers.

Suppression of Bone Marrow

If nitrous oxide is consumed for a prolonged period, it may also lead to bone marrow suppression. Bone marrow is the hub of red blood cell production, so any damage will affect the natural production rate of blood cells. This could lead to anemia.

Issues in Reproductive Health

Some studies provide evidence to suggest that nitrous oxide may have adverse effects on reproductive health. Long-term exposure to it poses the risk of fertility issues and developmental problems in offspring. If nangs are consumed during the pregnancy period, it can lead to congenital disabilities in the child, both physical and cognitive.

Cognitive Impairment

One of the immediate effects of directly consuming nangs is auditory or visual hallucinations. But, extended use of nitrous oxide, even in smaller amounts, may lead to impairment in cognitive function as a whole. While it’s still unclear what the threats may be, it’s safe to guess that there may be issues in the normal functioning of memory and concentration. Chronic exposure may even contribute to cognitive decline over time.

Psychological and Mental Health Impacts

Prolonged use of nangs can result in psychological dependence, which means that users might experience cravings for the substance, and there may be risks of facing withdrawal symptoms if it’s not consumed for a long time. This can lead to an increased risk of addiction and different kinds of mental health issues. Psychosis and depression are common results of long-term use of nitrous oxide.

Issues in the Respiratory System

Inhaling nitrous oxide directly from whipped cream chargers or any other sources can be harmful to the respiratory system of the body. If the use is long-term and regular, it may lead to respiratory distress, chronic bronchitis, or other pulmonary complications.

Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases

Chronic use and exposure to nitrous oxide may have cardiovascular implications. This includes an increased risk of heart palpitations, irregular heart rhythms, and low blood pressure. These symptoms, if left untreated, can eventually lead to heart attack and an untimely death.

Dental Complications

Frequent inhalation of nitrous oxide can lead to problems in dental health, such as tooth decay and enamel damage. This will lead to costly treatment procedures like root canals or filling.

What Can Be Done to Minimize the Long-Term Effects of Nangs?

While avoiding long-term exposure to nitrous oxide is the best way to prevent the harmful effects of it, there may be situations where you cannot avoid it even if you want to. In that case, it’s best to take the following steps to protect yourself from the adverse effects of it:

Using in Moderation

Try to limit the frequency and amount of nitrous oxide consumption as much as possible. Prolonged or excessive use increases the risk of adverse health effects, but the short-term, moderate exposure effects are not significantly harmful.

Avoiding Direct Inhalation

Do not inhale nitrous oxide directly from potential sources, like whipped cream chargers or balloons. To avoid this, using appropriate equipment like a whipped cream dispenser for whipped cream chargers will help control the dosage and thus reduce the risk of accidental overconsumption. It’s essential for the people involved to know the proper ways to use whipped cream chargers to avoid risks for themselves and their customers.

Using in a Safe Environment

Ensure that you are in a safe and controlled environment when you’re using nitrous oxide. It would help if you avoided situations that pose physical dangers, such as operating machinery or being near open flames.

Avoiding Combining Substances

Do not mix nitrous oxide with other substances. Especially avoid those substances that can have synergistic effects or increase the risk of adverse reactions.

Knowing the Signs of Overdose

If you are going to be in long-term contact with nangs, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the signs of a nitrous oxide overdose. Symptoms include breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, bluish skin color, and more. Get emergency medical help if you or someone you know has these symptoms.

Staying Hydrated

One of the harmful effects of nitrous oxide is that it can cause dehydration. So, you should drink plenty of water before, during, and after use to help counteract this effect and reduce the risk of related complications.

Ensuring Adequate Nutrition in Diet

Since there is a potential vitamin B12 deficiency risk associated with nitrous oxide use, consuming a balanced diet is essential to help counteract it. Vitamin B12 supplements, under the guidance of a doctor, are recommended.

It’s important to note that taking these steps will only minimize the risks but can’t entirely prevent them. Recreational use of nangs, just like any other drugs, is extremely harmful to health. It’s vital to build awareness about this and seek professional help for assistance when dealing with substance abuse.