You would not expect a leg amputation as a result of nitrous oxide use, but this happened in the OLVG last year. Five young people recently had to undergo severe surgery because of blood clots due to the use of nitrous oxide. Doctors are now raising the alarm because of the far-reaching consequences.
–
Nitrous oxide is a popular drug among young people and is often described as quite harmless. Unjustified and worrisome, says cardiologist Remko Kuipers. He came to new insights about the consequences. “It can not only cause neurological damage, but also cause blood clots,” he explains.
The blood clots can cause a heart attack, pulmonary embolism or even a leg amputation. Kuipers saw it all happen among users at the OLVG. “That’s what if you’re 25 years old and missing a leg.”
This is a wake-up call
People in their twenties, who speak to AT5 at the Dappermarkt, are shocked by the new insights. “I use it sometimes, but it’s a wake-up call for me,” says a 22-year-old woman. Another passer-by, who sometimes used laughing gas, had never thought that way about the consequences. “While I’m studying Medicine, so I should know better.”
Until now, the OLVG has only conducted research into young people who use a lot, but don’t think that a small balloon does not put you at risk. ‘Some people are much more sensitive to it because of their genes, for example. You never know how quickly you will form those blood clots. ” ‘
Rehabilitation doctors also previously warned of an increase spinal cord injuries due to excessive use of nitrous oxide. A national nitrous oxide ban has not yet been issued. Today, an inventory by the NOS shows that more than half of the Dutch municipalities has already introduced its own nitrous oxide ban.
–
