Korean tourist collapses on Vietnam street after laughing gas overdose

Doctors at 115 People's Hospital said Friday he was admitted in a severely disoriented state, screaming incoherently and making involuntary movements that endangered himself and others. Initial tests also revealed signs of acute kidney damage.

Treatment proved challenging as he could not communicate his medical history, and language barriers further complicated care. After confirming his nationality, the hospital coordinated with the 115 Emergency Center and the South Korean Consulate to identify him and contact his family.

Doctors ruled out brain infections, metabolic disorders, head trauma and stroke, concluding that nitrous oxide poisoning was the cause.

After 13 days of intensive treatment, including intravenous fluids, behavioral management and close monitoring, his kidney function recovered, his consciousness improved and his vital signs stabilized.

Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is a colorless gas with a mildly sweet smell, legally used in dentistry and obstetrics as a light anesthetic. However, when abused recreationally, it becomes a dangerous hallucinogen, especially in high doses or enclosed spaces.

Users can experience tingling, limb weakness, balance issues, memory loss, even spinal cord degeneration. High doses may trigger acute psychiatric symptoms such as hallucinations, paranoia, agitation or delirium. It can also lead to respiratory failure or cardiac arrest due to oxygen deprivation or suppressed breathing. Arrhythmias and sudden death can occur, especially if combined with alcohol, cocaine, ketamine, or in people with vitamin B12 deficiency.

Experts warn that many underestimate the dangers of laughing gas, leading to addiction and severe health consequences. Classified as an addictive hallucinogen, it can cause dependence similar to other drugs.

Vietnam officially banned the sale and use of laughing gas containing addictive substances from Jan. 1.