Many of us has been tuned into the news over this past few months regarding the dangers of e-cigarette use or vaping. It is known that five people died from vaping-related illnesses in the states of Illinois. Oregon, Indiana, Minnesota and California, with cases reported in 33 states. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the number of these cases are estimated to grow.
A new generation is at risk for irreversible lung damage and even death as a result of vaping. Growing in popularity over the years, many adults have attributed vaping as a medium of quitting smoking. The facts remain that vaping contains nicotine and is highly addictive, and is harmful to the body. When one vapes, it introduces chemicals into the body and bloodstream. These chemicals reach deep into the lung tissue causing inflammation, irritating the bronchi which in terms increases blood pressure. heart rate and compromise adequate blood flow to the vital organs of the body.
Some of the symptoms of severe lung disease as a result from vaping
that have been reported in this outbreak are cough, shortness or breath, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, or abdominal pain. Some patients have reported that their symptoms developed over a few days, while others have reported that their symptoms developed over several weeks. A lung infection does not appear to be causing the symptoms.
The CDC recommends to refrain from using e-cigarettes or vaping products. If you have recently use a e-cigarette or vaping product and you have the symptoms mentioned earlier to report this to your health care provider.
If you are concerned about your health after vaping, contact your health care provider. You can also contact poison control at 1-800-222-1222.