Nitrogen Narcosis

• Nitrogen Narcosis Overview
• Nitrogen Narcosis Symptoms
• Nitrogen Narcosis Treatment
• When to Seek Medical Care
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Nitrogen Narcosis Overview

Breathing < a href="/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=32780">nitrogen under pressure produces an intoxicating effect known as nitrogen narcosis. Most divers experience symptoms of nitrogen narcosis at depths greater than 100 feet, but symptoms may occur in depths as little as 33 feet. For this reason, use of compressed air deeper than 120 feet is not recommended.

Ascent reverses the symptoms of nitrogen narcosis. Factors that increase the risk of narcosis include cold temperatures, rapid descent, anxiety, alcohol, sedatives, fatigue, and carbon dioxide excess.

Nitrogen Narcosis Symptoms

• Symptoms include light-headedness, inattention, difficulty concentrating, poor judgment, anxiety, decreased coordination, hallucinations, and coma. Nitrogen narcosis can lead to death.

Nitrogen Narcosis Treatment

• Ascend from the depth at which the symptoms become apparent.
  
  
• If symptoms fail to resolve after ascent, narcosis is not the cause of the symptoms.

When to Seek Medical Care

• Seek medical treatment if symptoms persist.

For More Information

Web Links

Dr. Joseph F. Smith Medical Library, Nitrogen Narcosis

Synonyms and Keywords

wilderness: nitrogen narcosis, scuba diving

Authors and Editors

Author: Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM, Research Director, Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Editors: N Stuart Harris, MD, MFA, Staff Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine; James Kimo Takayesu, MD, Staff Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Massachusetts General Hospital.

Last Editorial Review: 8/10/2005