Collapse, kidney failure, and memory loss after just a few puffs of e-cigarettes.

In previous years, most of the cases of e-cigarette poisoning admitted to the hospital were brain damaged. However, recently, Bach Mai Hospital has recorded many patients with not only impaired consciousness but also severe kidney failure, memory loss, and cognitive decline.

Electronic cigarettes are harmful to health - Photo: D. LIEU

Collapsed after a few puffs of vape

At Bach Mai Hospital, a 19-year-old male patient, HNH, from Ninh Binh , was admitted under anesthesia and on a ventilator due to e-cigarette poisoning. After more than a day, H. was weaned off the ventilator, but his kidneys began to fail rapidly.

According to Dr. Nguyen Trung Nguyen, Director of the Poison Control Center at Bach Mai Hospital, the patient stated that last weekend, while visiting a friend's house, he saw everyone using vapes and decided to try a few puffs. Just a few minutes later, H. suddenly collapsed, convulsed, and was rushed to the emergency room in a coma with acute kidney failure.

After three days of treatment, H. regained consciousness and was able to communicate, but his memory had significantly deteriorated, and his anxiety and stress levels were very high. Despite a previous head injury from a traffic accident, H. had never experienced a seizure before. "This time, using an e-cigarette strongly stimulated the brain, causing severe seizures," Dr. Nguyen assessed.

The type of poison has not yet been determined because the patient did not carry testing equipment. But the risk of kidney failure after poisoning is still present.

It's not just young people; adults are also falling into similar situations. Ms. HMT (38 years old, from Bac Ninh ) picked up a vape device from a table while waiting at a restaurant and, out of curiosity, tried smoking it. Immediately, she collapsed and lost consciousness.

Even after waking up after 1-2 hours, she still had a severe headache, dizziness, and chest pain. At Bach Mai Hospital, test results showed that the patient had severe metabolic acidosis, a common sign of poisoning from synthetic drugs or strong stimulants.

An MRI scan revealed significant brain damage, posing a risk of long-term sequelae. Ms. T. suffered severe memory loss, barely recognizing acquaintances and having difficulty processing new information. Notably, a rapid drug test was completely negative.

"This is not unusual. Many essential oils contain new groups of drugs such as synthetic cannabinoids, amphetamine-based stimulants, cathinones, etc., which are not detected by routine tests," Dr. Nguyen explained.

There is no antidote, the damage may be permanent.

According to Dr. Nguyen, there is currently no specific antidote for the synthetic chemicals mixed into e-cigarettes. Treatment mainly focuses on respiratory and circulatory support, non-specific detoxification, correction of metabolic disorders, and monitoring for neurological damage.

"Brain damage and cognitive decline can be long-lasting or permanent," the doctor warned.

The Poison Control Center has recently received many cases of vape poisoning. Many patients are conscious upon discharge but later experience memory loss, reduced concentration, and behavioral disorders. However, because many do not return for follow-up examinations, statistics on long-term sequelae are difficult to compile.

According to this expert, e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are becoming a "breeding ground" for new-generation synthetic drugs that are highly toxic, easily addictive, constantly changing, and most difficult to detect today.

"Vietnam needs to completely ban e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. If we hesitate for just a few more years, these products will spread rapidly among young people, leading to serious consequences for public health," he emphasized.

Currently, most vapes are bought online or sold in small grocery stores, which are difficult to control. "If we don't stop them now, these loopholes will make all efforts meaningless," Dr. Nguyen warned.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nga-quy-suy-than-giam-tri-nho-sau-vai-hoi-thuoc-la-dien-tu-20251210090206966.htm