An Auckland woman who can no longer move her legs after inhaling nitrous oxide - otherwise known as 'nangs' or 'laughing gas -  is urging the government to regulate the sale of the gas.  

Nitrous oxide has been used as an anaesthetic for over than 150 years, but it’s also popular as a recreational drug. 

Auckland City Hospital Neurology Registrar, Dr Shilpan Patel, told Heather du Plessis-Allan “We’ve seen people inhaling hundreds of canisters a day come in with injuries – as well as people who’ve only had a handful.” 

Patel says “It’s quite a serious condition that can have long-lasting consequences for otherwise young, fit and well people.” 

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