Pediatrician Warns of Seizures Caused by E-cigarettes: Nicotine Poisoning to Blame
In a recent warning, Professor Suwanna Ruangkanchanset, MD, a child and adolescent pediatrician at Ramathibodi Hospital, highlighted the dangers of e-cigarettes and their potential to cause seizures. The alarming revelation follows a report from the public health authority of New South Wales, Australia, which documented six teenagers being hospitalized after experiencing seizures, vomiting, and loss of consciousness as a result of smoking e-cigarettes purchased online.
Experts believe that these adverse effects can be attributed to the toxic nature of nicotine found in e-cigarettes, a brain-destroying toxin. Further analysis has revealed the presence of other harmful chemicals, such as herbicides and nail polish remover, in these devices. Nicotine, which is often underestimated, is a highly hazardous drug that can induce seizures when consumed in large quantities. While both children and adults can be affected, children are particularly vulnerable due to their lower body weight and the fact that their brains are still developing.
Professor Suwanna stressed the rapid onset of symptoms associated with nicotine overdose, including rapid heartbeat, confusion, seizures, and respiratory failure. It was found that 62% of these symptoms occurred within just 30 minutes of nicotine exposure, when the nicotine levels in the body peak.
The current situation is cause for concern, as new e-cigarettes, commonly known as “pods,” often contain dangerously high levels of nicotine, reaching up to 55 mg/cc. Even more alarming is the fact that these e-cigarettes are designed to resemble toys or feature cartoon characters, appealing to children and young people. This deliberate manipulation often leaves parents unaware of the potential dangers posed by these seemingly harmless products.
Associate Professor Ruengruedee Patanavanich, from the Department of Community Medicine at Ramathibodi Hospital, emphasized the need for systematic data collection on the effects of e-cigarettes. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has gathered data on individuals who have experienced e-cigarette-induced seizures. Between 2019 and 2021, there were 250 reported cases, with nearly 70% of the patients being children and young people. Subsequent investigations confirmed that e-cigarettes can indeed cause seizures due to the toxic effects of nicotine, which heightens sensitivity in brain cells.
Addressing the misinformation propagated by e-cigarette advocacy groups, it is crucial to recognize that nicotine is indeed a dangerous substance. It is as addictive as heroin and has severe health consequences, especially for children and young people. What is most concerning is that many young individuals experimenting with e-cigarettes are unaware of the dangers associated with nicotine. Consequently, it is imperative that accurate information is provided to children, young people, parents, guardians, and educators to increase awareness and prevention.
References:
– NSW Health warns young people in hospital about seizures, vomiting after vaping.
– Three Seizures Induced by E-Cigarette Use in a Five-Year Period: A Case Report.
Pediatrician warns that e-cigarettes can cause seizures due to the nicotine poison in e-cigarettes. Most symptoms occur after 30 minutes of nicotine intake.
On July 18, 2022, Professor Suwanna Ruangkanchanset, MD said. Child and adolescent pediatrician Department of Paediatrics The Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital recently said that there was a report from the public health authority of New South Wales, Australia, that six teenagers had been taken to the hospital. Due to having seizures, vomiting and loss of consciousness due to smoking e-cigarettes purchased from online media This is believed to be due to the toxic effects of nicotine in e-cigarettes. which is a brain-destroying toxin Other harmful chemicals have also been found in e-cigarettes, such as herbicides. and nail polish remover Nicotine is a dangerous drug. If taken in large amounts, it can cause seizures. which can be found in children and adults But it is more common in children and the symptoms tend to be more severe. because children weigh less than adults and the brain is not yet fully developed
“Small exposure to nicotine Symptoms of a nicotine overdose include rapid heartbeat, vomiting, confusion, seizures, and respiratory failure. Which symptoms often occur quickly after exposure to nicotine, most of them, 62%, occur within 30 minutes, which is the time when nicotine enters the body at the highest level,” Professor Suwanna said.
Nowadays, the situation is worrying because new e-cigarettes, or what young people call “pods”, often contain dangerously high levels of nicotine Up to 55 mg/cc, which is a dangerous level that can kill young children. The e-cigarette business is designed to look like a toy. or cartoon characters to attract children and young people make most children involve parents do not know that it is a dangerous product. and contains toxic drugs such as nicotine Therefore, we must help each other to monitor and accelerate social awareness.
Associate Professor Ruengruedee Patanavanich, Department of Community Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital Faculty of Medicine said that in foreign countries, data on the effects of e-cigarettes has been systematically collected, such as the US Food and Drug Administration. Data collected on people who have e-cigarette seizures Between 2019 and 2021, there were 250 e-cigarette seizures among 250 patients, almost 70% of whom were children and young people. Subsequently, a study was confirmed by investigators who reviewed case reports for those with complete medical information. He concluded that e-cigarettes can actually cause seizures due to the toxic effects of nicotine in e-cigarettes. When it enters the brain, it makes the nerve cells more sensitive. more risk of seizures more likely that collects data systematically It will be surveillance and will make you aware of diseases or abnormal symptoms caused by smoking e-cigarettes. which may be the same or different from the symptoms of normal smoking
“E-cigarette advocacy groups often claim that nicotine is not a dangerous substance. Therefore, I would like to emphasize that this claim is misinformation. Because nicotine is as addictive as heroin. Easy to get on but hard to quit. It also has serious health consequences. especially with children and young people But what is worrying is that most children and young people who try e-cigarettes do not know what nicotine is. and how dangerous Therefore, it is an urgent matter to provide accurate information to children and young people, including parents, guardians and teachers at school, “said Assoc Professor Dr. Ruengrueee.
refer
NSW Health warns young people in hospital about seizures, vomiting after vaping:
Three Seizures Induced by E-Cigarette Use in a Five-Year Period: A Case Report:
#Pediatrician #warns #ecigarettes #seizures
