Teenage Child, Age 13, Suddenly Passed Away After Crying for Help; Previously Resting in Bed Just Hours Prior
A TEENAGE BOY, claiming he needed a "quick nap" due to a nagging cough and fever, astoundingly passed away "suddenly and inexplicably" at home.
Tomas Remeikis, age 13, met his unfortunate end in his bedroom as his parents urgently attempted to resuscitate him.
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A heart-rending tragedy as Tomas breathed his last on May 26, following his transportation to the hospital.
Tomas battled pulmonary hypertension since childhood, a condition diagnosed when doctors discovered a hole in his heart.
In spite of his diagnosis, Tomas maintained a lifestyle brimming with energy, riding his bike daily to school and attending taekwondo classes twice a week.
Pulmonary hypertension is a condition that targets the blood vessels in the lungs. In children, it regularly stems from a range of underlying conditions, encompassing congenital heart defects, lung diseases, and genetic factors.
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The son of Manchester, later spending two years in Southport, Tomas, as a small child, frequently whimpered with breathlessness and lethargy, two key symptoms of pulmonary hypertension.
Tomas' father, Andrius Remeikis, admitted to the Liverpool Echo: "He was constantly ill but we assumed it was chest infections."
It was when Tomas was just three years old that his granddad expressed concern about him while he played on his scooter. "Tomas would pause to catch his breath, and my granddad found it a bit suspicious," Andrius said. "He said, Tomas shouldn't be so tired."
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Pulmonary hypertension can progress to grave complications such as heart failure, a perilous condition that may prove fatal.
When the hole in Tomas' heart was detected, he underwent urgent surgery, which was successful. Post-surgery, he was prescribed daily medication and visited Great Ormond Street Hospital in London for regular checkups.
Although Tomas experienced occasional dizziness, which never reflected test results or left him appearing unstable, things changed when he fell ill once again on the late May Bank Holiday Monday.
"I had just prepared breakfast, and Tomas didn't seem well," Andrius recounted. "I asked him about his lungs and heart, and he merely complained of a cough. In the afternoon, he rose again and I made him some tea. I asked him how he was feeling, and he said, maybe a bit better."
"He shouted for help, and we called an ambulance. Then, suddenly, he lost consciousness," Andrius continued.
The family remains uncertain about the timeline and cause of Tomas' demise. A post-mortem has suggested that his heart may have failed, but the final cause will be determined by an inquest.
The Remeikis family has kindly requested donations to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, who had supported Tomas throughout his life. "Tomas was generous, cordial, affectionate, and sociable. Everyone who interacted with him loved him," said Andrius.
Warning signs of Pulmonary Hypertension in Children
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in children can manifest with various symptoms, though many share commonality with other cardiovascular or respiratory conditions. Common symptoms include:
- Respiratory distress or shortness of breath
- Fatigue and poor exercise tolerance
- Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin, especially lips and fingertips)
- Syncope (fainting) or near-fainting spells
- Cough
- Difficulty feeding and poor growth in infants
- Swelling in the legs or abdomen
Sources: NHS
- Despite battling a chronic health condition, Tomas Remeikis, a 13-year-old boy from Manchester, showed remarkable energy and took part in daily physical activities like riding his bike to school and attending taekwondo classes.
- The tragic death of Tomas Remeikis, who suffered from a hole in his heart and pulmonary hypertension, has brought attention to neurological disorders and mental health as well.
- Pulmonary hypertension, a condition that can lead to chronic diseases and cardiovascular health issues, is often associated with underlying medical conditions, such as congenital heart defects, genetic factors, and chronic kidney disease.
- The sudden and inexplicable death of Tomas Remeikis raised discussions about the importance of regular medical checkups, especially for those with chronic conditions, to ensure early detection of complications and subsequent treatment.
- In the aftermath of Tomas' demise, the family of the teen boy requested donations to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, an organization that provides support for those affected by various neurological disorders and health-related challenges, including chronic kidney disease, migraines, and other mental health issues.
