Costa Rica Faces a Vaping Crisis: Double the Trouble with E-Cigarettes Among the Youth

Costa Rica’s National Poison Control Center (CNCI) has sounded the alarm on a vaping epidemic that’s hitting the youth harder than a surprise math test. The CNCI, an arm of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), reports a jaw-dropping increase in vaping-related intoxications, making parents and guardians nationwide double-check their purses and pockets.

Dr. Marietta Somarribas Blanco, who probably knows more about toxicology than anyone who’s accidentally inhaled a cloud of vape smoke, shared that 2023 saw a record-breaking 14 vaping intoxication cases. That’s right, folks, we’ve doubled the drama from 2022, which saw a modest seven cases. If vaping were a stock, now would be the time to sell.

But here’s the kicker: the jump from one lone case in 2020 and 2021 to a double-digit debacle has raised more eyebrows than a surprise celebrity cameo. And it’s not just the teenagers who are experimenting; we’ve got toddlers joining the fray, with one 2-year-old and one 3-year-old getting intoxicated, proving that curiosity doesn’t just endanger cats.

Dr. Lydiana Ávia, a pediatric pulmonologist who’s probably seen more vape clouds than a DJ at a rave, expressed concern over how these tots are getting their hands, and mouths, on vapes. With most cases involving the cool kids’ choice of marijuana and nicotine, it’s clear we’re dealing with more than just fancy flavored water vapor.

The real question on everyone’s mind: How are these vaping gadgets, as colorful and enticing as a pack of Skittles, ending up in the hands of children? Dr. Ávia points out that the allure of vaping devices, combined with the inherent curiosity of kids, is a recipe for disaster, especially when “vape time” turns into “ER time.”

Health authorities are now waving red flags like they’re directing traffic, urging parents to keep their vapes out of reach of children. The message is clear: your vape pen is not a toy, even if it looks like it belongs in a Happy Meal.

Symptoms of vape intoxication include the kind of party no one wants to attend, featuring guest appearances by tachycardia, paleness, tremors, and a whole host of other uninvited guests. It turns out, vaping is not the harmless cloud party many think it is.

Dr. Somarribas Blanco wraps it up with a call to action, reminding everyone that “vaping is not a harmless habit.” In other words, it’s time to clear the air and realize the vaping craze among the youth is more than just smoke and mirrors.