A 16-year-old student from Vinh Phuc, northern Vietnam, inhaled laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, has been discharged from hospital after treatment for weakness in her arms and paralysis in both legs, all resulting from her inhalation of laughing gas from 15 balloons. 

Phu Tho General Hospital, located in neighboring Phu Tho Province, reported on Thursday that they had admitted the schoolgirl who had inhaled laughing gas from 15 balloons two weeks ago.

The student said that she was in good health before inhaling the gas from these balloons over the course of three consecutive days.

Shortly after inhaling the gas, the girl began to experience numbness in her limbs, cramps, and a loss of feeling in both legs.

Doctors diagnosed her with perioperative peripheral nerve injury caused by the abuse of laughing gas.

She spent nearly 10 days in a wheelchair before her health improved enough for her to walk again.

She has since been discharged from the hospital.

She was advised to return for regular medical check-ups and to develop a habit of physical exercise.

Dr. Le Thi Bich Thuy, head of the department of rheumatology and internal medicine at Phu Tho General Hospital, explained that nitrous oxide poisoning results from the extended overuse of laughing gas, which can lead to nerve damage.

While inhaling laughing gas can create feelings of euphoria and relaxation, it takes a heavy toll on users' health and can even be fatal.

The Ministry of Health has issued warnings about the dangers of nitrous oxide-filled balloons.

Prolonged use can lead to symptoms such as transient dizziness, loss of balance, impaired memory, hypotension, sleep disorders, cerebral ischemia, and weakness in the limbs, according to the ministry.

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