Vape-related death
THE Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed the first vape-related death in the Philippines, alarming vape users.
The death was published in the prestigious “Respirology Case Reports Journal” of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology.
It was written by Dr. Margarita Isabel Fernandez and other doctors of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) on Taft Avenue, Manila.
The report said that a 22-year-old man with no record of smoking was rushed to the PGH in 2023 after suffering a heart attack.
The heart attack was attributed to daily vape use. Reports said the patient had been using vape products for two years.
DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said, “Ang pinaka-striking sa kasong ito (ay) ‘yung kanyang heart attack.”
He explained that “Wala siyang risk factors maliban sa araw-araw siyang nagva-vape for the past two years bago siya atakihin sa puso.”
The assistant Health secretary said two arteries of the patient’s heart “ang nabarhan,” adding “nagdikit-dikit yung loob ng lungs niya.”
Studies show that e-cigarettes reportedly produce a number of chemicals which can cause lung ailments, as well as cardiovascular (heart) diseases.
Most common types of side effects reported by people who use vaping products are throat and mouth irritation, headache, cough and nausea.
With the first vape-related death in the country, the government would do well to come up with more measures aimed at ensuring the health and safety of the people.
