Gerrard Kaonga
A doctor has weighed in on what vape poisoning is and the symptoms that can occur after Below Deck's Fraser Olender suffered a heart attack as a result.
Earlier this week, Olender spoke to his followers about a recent health scare and potentially life-threatening incident he experienced as a result of his vaping habit.
The 33-year-old has insisted he will no longer be using e-cigarettes after being told by medics that they were the cause of him suffering a heart attack.
Olender said he had difficulties breathing before being rushed to the hospital and suffered excruciating pain for days.
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He explained: “To keep it simple - I had vape poisoning (an E-cigarette or Vaping-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI)), and I have never experienced fear or pain like it.
“Whatever was in my vape caused me to have a coronary artery vasospasm.
“Medically, that means the arteries supplying blood to my heart suddenly clamped down."
This 'vasospasm' caused him to have a heart attack, as it had ‘reduced blood flow enough to cause an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), better known as a heart attack.’
General practitioner (GP) and medical advisor Dr Suzanne Wylie of IQdoctor spoke to UNILAD about the phenomenon and explained how vape users can experience ‘vape poisoning’.
She noted that the term generally relates to ‘harmful effects caused by exposure to the chemicals found in e-cigarettes or vaping liquids’.
She added: “E-liquids can contain nicotine at varying strengths, as well as flavorings and other additives, and the potential for harm depends on both the concentration of these substances and the frequency or method of use.”
According to the doctor, vape poisoning can occur in several ways, including inhaling large amounts in a short period, swallowing or accidentally spilling concentrated e-liquid onto the skin, or, in rare cases, from devices malfunctioning.
She also highlighted the symptoms of vape poisoning and added that they can vary in severity. These include:
More serious symptoms can result in death and likely require more immediate medical attention. She noted that these include:
In the most severe cases, particularly if high-strength nicotine is ingested, there is a risk of seizures, cardiac complications, or even death.
The doc urged anyone experiencing worrying symptoms after vaping to seek urgent medical attention.
She also called on people to only use ‘regulated products, follow manufacturer guidance carefully, avoid high-strength liquids unless medically advised otherwise, and always store e-liquids safely out of reach of children and pets.’