Laughing gas may be a new way to treat fibromyalgia, a debilitating pain condition.
Close to three million people in the UK have fibromyalgia, which causes widespread and increased pain sensitivity as well as muscle stiffness, difficulty sleeping, headaches, depression and memory and concentration problems known as ‘fibrous fog’.
The 53-year-old presenter Kirsty Young was so hit with it that she recently admitted that she stopped presenting the 2019 Desert Island Radio 4 recordings because of her work.
The 53-year-old broadcaster Kirsty Young was so badly affected that she recently admitted to quitting her job as presenter of Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs in 2019.
While the cause of the condition is unknown, abnormally high levels of the chemical glutamate are suspected to be involved, which alters the way the brain processes pain messages.
In most cases, fibromyalgia appears to result from a stressful or physical event such as an infection, accident, or death.
The condition is difficult to treat, as patients experience it differently.
Options available include analgesics and antidepressants. Now researchers believe nitrous oxide may be an option, apparently because of its intoxicating effects when inhaled.
Nitrous Oxide May Be a New Way to Treat Debilitating Pain Fibromyalgia (File Image)
Often used in dentistry for tooth extraction, it reduces pain and induces sleepiness by releasing natural pain-relieving chemicals such as dopamine and endorphins.
In the new study, researchers at the University of Chicago in the United States use it as a one-time treatment to block the production of excess glutamate, which can increase pain.
Fibromyalgia patients have higher levels of glutamate in the insula, the part of the brain involved in processing pain and emotions.
Approximately 50 patients inhale a mixture of nitrous oxide (nitrous oxide) and oxygen or a placebo for 60 minutes, tracking its effects on pain, anxiety, depression, and mood over the next several months.
The new study builds on previous research showing that nitrous oxide may have an effect on chronic pain.
A 2015 study published in the journal Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria found that patients with chronic pain who took this drug for dental care had a 10-fold reduction in their pain levels.
Each of the patients had been in pain for at least six months, but only 18 of the 77 patients in the study still had pain after treatment.
“Our study showed a noticeable reduction in chronic physical pain in patients after nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation,” said neurologists from the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, who conducted the study. Professor Sam Eldabe, pain relief consultant at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, commented on the latest study: “Fibromyalgia is a long-lasting painful condition with few effective treatments.
“I look forward to the results of the study that may offer some hope to patients suffering from fibromyalgia.
“More research may be needed to elucidate a mechanism of action for nitrous oxide, if any.”
Source: Daily Mail
I am Anne Johnson and I work as an author at the Fashion Vibes. My main area of expertise is beauty related news, but I also have experience in covering other types of stories like entertainment, lifestyle, and health topics. With my years of experience in writing for various publications, I have built strong relationships with many industry insiders. My passion for journalism has enabled me to stay on top of the latest trends and changes in the world of beauty.
