Student Health and WELLWVU health officials are informing the campus community about an increase in oral injuries and other injuries related to inhalant abuse.
Dr. Carmen Barrel, Director of Student Health and Emergency Medicine, said the clinic has seen mouth and throat injuries caused by “whippets” while using inhalants such as nitrous oxide, sometimes called laughing gas. He noted that the number of patients is increasing.
“Inhaling chemicals can cause immediate and long-term health effects,” Dr. Burrell said. “These include burns to the nose, mouth, and throat, lung damage, irregular heart rhythms, and neurological problems. If any worrying symptoms are observed, patients should seek immediate medical attention. There is.”
According to the Global Drug Survey, nitrous oxide is the third most commonly used drug after cannabis and cocaine.
What are inhalants and whippets?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nitrous oxide is a vapor-producing volatile substance that has mind-altering effects when inhaled by huffing, chroming, or bagging. Inhalants are found in hundreds of products, including gases in anesthetics used in medical procedures and common food-dispensing tools such as whipped cream containers and cooking sprays.
Nitrous oxide is also sold in small vials known as “whippets,” “chargers,” or “crackers,” which can release vapor into whipped cream, bags, balloons, etc. The gas emitted by a whippet can cause cold burns and frostbite around the mouth, throat, and fingers.
Are inhalants harmful?
Laboratory and human studies have shown that most inhalants contain chemicals in solvents, aerosol sprays, and gases that can cause serious health effects, some of which can be deadly. Some have been shown to be highly toxic. These include:
Impaired judgment and function, nausea and vomiting, confusion, dizziness, slurred speech, muscle weakness. The deadly effects of the chemical can cause cardiac arrest and asphyxiation. Harm to the brain during pregnancy, mental health disorders, damage to body organs, and risks to the developing baby.
Nitrous oxide is legal and used by dentists, so some might think it’s a safe drug to use recreationally in whippets, said Wesley Thomas, senior health educator at WELLWVU. He pointed out that he could not.
“In dental practice, nitrous oxide is used in combination with oxygen and other chemicals in a controlled clinical manner,” says Thomas.
“Whippet only contains nitrous oxide, so inhaling it causes rapid oxygen loss in the brain, which is what causes the user to experience a temporary high.” In addition to the risk of injury from freezing gas, there is also the possibility of injury from a fall, convulsions from loss of consciousness, and even nerve damage.”
Thomas reminds the campus community that recreational use of whippets or nitrous oxide is best avoided, but if people do use them, the gas is always inhaled from a balloon. should not be inhaled directly from a “cracker” or tank. A space that minimizes the risk of falling.
Where can I get help?
If you are seriously injured, go to your nearest emergency room immediately. If you need after-hours or emergency care, you can visit several of WVU’s Medicine Urgent Care locations.
Student Health walk-ins are encouraged, but appointments are required for some services. You can request an appointment, see current hours of operation, and get directions on the Student Health website.
WELLWVU provides wellness education resources and programs for students. Student Health also provides information about the risks of using inhalants and other substances.
Through its Student Assistance Program, the Carruth Center offers a variety of services to students with alcohol and other drug concerns, including individual assessments, individual counseling, psychoeducational groups, and online educational activities. Students interested in receiving alcohol or other drug counseling can make an appointment online with the Caruth Center or by calling 304-293-4431.
