Attempted Suicide by Nitrogen Gas Asphyxiation: A Case Report.
- Author:
Sung Wook PARK
1
;
Seok Ran YEOM
;
Sang kyoon HAN
;
Hyung Bin KIM
;
Young Mo CHO
;
Byung Kwan BAE
;
Il Jae WANG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords: Nitrogen; Asphyxia; Suicide; Gas poisoning
- MeSH: Acidosis, Lactic; Adult; Asphyxia; Consciousness; Dihydroergotamine; Emergency Service, Hospital; Gas Poisoning; Humans; Hyperammonemia; Methods; Nitrogen*; Oxygen; Suicide; Suicide, Attempted*
- From:Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology 2017;15(1):47-50
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Nitrogen is an inert gas that is harmless to humans under normal conditions. While it is not inherently toxic, nitrogen gas becomes dangerous when it displaces oxygen, resulting in suffocation. Herein, we report a case of a 34-year-old man who attempted suicide by nitrogen asphyxiation who presenting with decreased mental function and agitation. Lactic acidosis and hyperammonemia were observed on presentation at the emergency department, but these improved after a few hours. After 2 days, the patient regained full consciousness, and was discharged without any complications. Survival after asphyxiation due to nitrogen gas is very rare, and these patients are more likely to have poorer outcomes. There is a potential for the increasing use of nitrogen gas as a method of committing suicide because of the ease of access to this gas.
