Three schoolgirls from Buriram were confined in a hospital as their lungs have collapsed due to illegal vaping for 2 years.
Dr. Pichit Puetkhunthod, the provincial health chief of Buriram said that three students have been in a hospital for a week after the students vomited and complained of chest tightness with breathing difficulties. The students, who are in grades 5, 6,and 8, are from Satuk district. The students remain under close watch in the hospital as x-ray images show large white areas of their lungs. A healthy normal lung should show a dark image.
According to a Bangkok Post report, two of the students were brought to Satuk Hospital and the one in Buriram Hospital.
It is found out that the students have been smoking e-cigarettes and drinking kratom juice for about two years. Local police have arrested e-cigarette vendors throughout the province, especially the ones near the girls’ school. Sellers were brought and detained at the Buriram provincial court.
Dr Pichit said that the girls’ overall health condition was improving. “The recovery of their lungs after they are discharged from [the] hospital will depend on their physical condition. Long-term vaping may specifically affect the respiratory system. Their families must prevent them [from] resuming smoking and drinking kratom juice,” the doctor said.
Kratom are leaves extracted from the Mitragyna speciosa tree. Also known as Mambog in the Philippines. The said plant is said to treat anxiety, depression, fatigue and drug cravings.