What began as holiday preparations for one Dutch family turned into a harrowing brush with a life-threatening illness, highlighting the serious and often underestimated health risks of vaping. Robin, a resident of Almelo, Netherlands, experienced a rapid and frightening decline in health last fall, becoming one of a growing number of patients presenting with severe respiratory issues linked to e-cigarette use [[1]]. His story, shared widely after being featured by RTL Nieuws, serves as a stark warning and has prompted increased scrutiny of the vaping industry both locally and abroad.
What began as preparations for a festive holiday season took a frightening turn for Robin last year, highlighting the growing health risks associated with vaping. The incident underscores a concerning trend of severe respiratory illnesses linked to e-cigarette use, prompting increased scrutiny of the industry and its products.
Sudden Illness
Robin’s health deteriorated rapidly in late October, experiencing sudden and severe coughing up of blood. He was immediately hospitalized in Almelo before being transferred to the University Medical Center Utrecht due to the severity of his condition.
Family members, including Robin’s partner and mother, Margareth, prepared for the possibility he might not regain consciousness after falling into a coma.
After days on life support, Robin survived, narrowly avoiding a fatal outcome, according to the medical team. Subsequent investigations revealed that vaping was the cause of his critical illness, as explained in a video released by medical professionals.
Growing Number of Severe Cases
In May, RTL Nieuws reported that at least five individuals in the Netherlands had suffered near-fatal illnesses linked to vaping, including Robin. Experts expressed alarm, warning of potential fatalities in the future.
These five cases were not isolated incidents. At least sixteen hospitals reported admitting multiple patients with serious lung problems related to vaping. These included cases of collapsed lungs, pneumonia, inflammation of the air sacs leading to scarring, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). At least eight hospitals also treated patients experiencing asthma attacks, particularly among younger individuals.
Robin shared his harrowing experience with RTL Nieuws in May, and the video of his story garnered significant attention, reaching 1.5 million views on Instagram alone. The video of Robin quickly resonated with the public. “The day after the report aired, we were walking through town and people were looking at us. ‘Hey, I think that’s them.’ People just recognized us on the street,” Robin and Margareth recalled.
“We immediately realized it had made a real impact on people.”
‘It Opened Many People’s Eyes’
The impact extended beyond public recognition, with an outpouring of responses to their story. “It opened the eyes of many people. It made an impression, probably because they are now seeing that this can happen to anyone,” said Margareth. “Whether they all stopped smoking or vaping afterward, I can’t say. But in our entire family, everyone is now smoke-free, except for one person. And we are very happy about that.”
Sharing their story also helped them process the trauma. “We went back to the ICU with your team, and Robin saw for the first time where he had been all that time. That was very good for him, and for all of us.”
Following his coma in October, Robin required multiple hospital readmissions throughout the year due to recurring episodes of coughing up blood. He remained under close medical supervision, with another check-up scheduled for next year. “But I’m really doing well,” Robin said. “Fortunately, because we didn’t even dare to dream that would be possible.”
Robin’s lung function has gradually improved. Recent tests showed a 98% lung function, described by doctors as an excellent result. While CT scans in October revealed some “spots” on his lungs, doctors expect these to resolve on their own. “I actually don’t feel anything anymore.”
With positive developments in his health, Robin decided to embrace the holiday spirit earlier this year. He put up Christmas lights in September and decorated extensively. “We’ve gone all out, the entire Christmas village is on display. And for Christmas itself, we’ll enjoy a good meal, open presents, but most of all, spend time together. Being together as a family is extra special now.”
