Vaping Schoolgirls Remain in Hospital After Two Years of E-Cigarette Use
BURI RAM – Three schoolgirls who were hospitalized after two years of illegal vaping continue to be monitored closely for potential lung complications, according to the provincial health chief.
Dr. Pichit Puetkhunthod reported on Tuesday that the three students, who are in grades 5, 6, and 8 at a school in Satuk district, have been under hospital care for a week. X-ray images revealed large white areas on their lungs, which would normally appear dark on an X-ray, indicating possible lung damage. These students are receiving medication to prevent lung inflammation and antibiotics to avoid infection.
“They must be kept under close observation to monitor any complications,” Dr. Pichit explained.
Two of the students are being treated at Satuk Hospital, while the third is in Buriram Hospital.
The girls were sent to the hospital by their school after experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, chest tightness, and breathing difficulties. It was later discovered that they had been smoking e-cigarettes and drinking kratom juice for about two years.
In response to the discovery, local police have launched efforts to arrest e-cigarette vendors throughout the province. Sellers arrested near the girls’ school have been taken to the Buri Ram provincial court to extend their detention.
Dr. Pichit reported that the girls’ overall health is improving, but he stressed that their long-term recovery would depend on their lung health after being discharged. He warned that long-term vaping could have a lasting impact on the respiratory system.
He also urged the girls’ families to ensure that they avoid resuming smoking or drinking kratom juice in the future to support their recovery.
