Manufacturers have touted the use of E-cigarettes, or vaping, as a healthy alternative to traditional tobacco cigarettes. Many of these E-cigarettes are small, discreet, and can even be charged by using a computers USB drive. These factors, combined with the fruity and popular flavors they provide, has introduced a whole new generation of people to nicotine.
There has always been a question about whether or not E-cigarettes were safe. Recently however, that answer seems to have made itself clear, and the answer is no. Currently, there have been at least 1,080 cases of vaping related illnesses across 48 states and 1 territory, with 19 of them leading to death.
The signs and symptoms associated with the development of vaping-related lung disease have looked pretty similar across all patients. Most of the patients who have been hospitalized with these vaping related illnesses have reported significant problems with breathing. Patients, and their parents, have reported shortness of breath, which has quickly escalated into cough, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Many people that have started using E-cigarettes did so in an attempt to stop using traditional cigarettes. The makers of these devices have been advertising E-cigarettes as an efficient way to quit smoking. Although there are a few people in advertisements who say that vaping has helped them quit, there is actually very little data that exists that show this to be the case. The Mayo Clinic says that there is not enough evidence to show that vaping helps stop smoking, especially compared to traditional treatments, such as nicotine replacement therapies.
There are many possible theories that might explain why vaping is harmful to the body. According to the American Lung Association, E-cigarettes can produce harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. In addition, they can also contain acrolein, which is a herbicide used to kill weeds. Even though the majority of cases so far do appear to be from E-cigarettes that have been purchased off the street, many states, as well as the CDC is recommending that all E-cigarettes should be avoided until the cause of illnesses is known. The Iowa Department of Public Health is urging people not to buy E-cigarettes off the street, or adding any products or chemicals that were not intended to be there by the manufacturer.
If you are someone who has used E-cigarettes, and you start to have any problems breathing, it is important that you go to the hospital right away. These symptoms are very dangerous, and can lead to death.
If smokers are ready to quit smoking, they should talk to their local NuCara pharmacist, call 1-800-QUIT NOW or talk with their doctor about finding the best way to quit using proven methods and FDA-approved treatments and counseling.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html
https://idph.iowa.gov/ehi/lung-disease-vaping?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
https://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/smoking-facts/impact-of-e-cigarettes-on-lung.html
https://smokefree.gov/tools-tips/get-extra-help/speak-to-an-expert