People Are Still Dying From Mysterious Vaping Illness, Even As Outbreak Slows

E-cigarettes were designed as a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes. However, it turns out that vaping has its own risks. The CDC tracked cases of severe lung problems in the people who vape. Thousands had lung damage that needed treatment in hospitals, and several died from the condition. This illness is known as an e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI).

According to the CDC, “The outbreak of vaping illness got worse with the hospitalization of 41 people and death of two over the most recent week, even as the pace of new illnesses slows. The total number of vaping illness cases registered across 27 states is 2,602 with 57 fatalities.”

Vaping illness patients have been found in all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

The main culprit of EVALI is vitamin E acetate. It’s a sticky substance found in some THC vaping products.

In November, the CDC announced that the use of “potential toxin of concern” substance is narrowing down after it was detected in 29 out of 29 lung tissue samples tested by health officials.

The CDC has recommended the consumers to stop vaping, especially THC and anything bought off the street.

Risks of vaping

Some of the known risks of vaping are:

• E-cigarettes contain high levels of nicotine, making vaping very addictive.
• Vaping can increase the levels of carcinogens in the urine of teens who vape.
• Vaping has led to several deaths and hundreds of cases of lung illness.
• Exposure to e-cigarette aerosol makes teeth surface more prone to developing bacteria.
• People who smoke both conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes were more likely to have heart disease.

Vaping and teenagers

Vaping illness is common among teenagers. Vaping has also increased the use of other substances such as marijuana, flavored liquids, nicotine, and hash oil in teenagers.

Did you know?

About 37% of 12th graders reported vaping in 2018, compared with 28% in 2017.

As a matter of concern, the Food and Drug Administration has issued a ban on most fruit- and mint-flavored nicotine vaping products to curb a surge in teen use.

Health professionals, teachers, and parents are worried due to the growing popularity of vaping among young people. Vaping can lead to many serious and avoidable health risks. Exposure to nicotine can lead to addiction and cause long-term harm to brain development. To avoid such risks, the researchers are trying to educate teens as well as parents about vaping risks, as it’s new for everyone.

When should you see a doctor?

There is no harm to consult with your healthcare professional to talk about the risks of vaping, especially if you or your kid already have a chronic health condition, such as asthma.

You may also want to make an appointment with a doctor if you experience symptoms, such as coughing, difficulty breathing, or increased heart rate. Your doctor may recommend a proper treatment to overcome your addiction or treat the vaping illness. Make sure to follow your doctor’s recommendation and take medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

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