It’s hard to miss the news about vaping related fatalities. Hundreds of illnesses and at least twelve fatalities have been reported around the US. In many cases, the individuals who died were in their 20s or 30s, like this case reported in southern Indiana. The Indiana State Department of Health is currently investigating at least 50 cases of severe lung injury; many are individuals between ages 18-29 with a history of vaping.
Electronic cigarettes (also called e-cigarettes) heat a liquid to produce an aerosol that users inhale. The liquid can contain a variety of substances, flavorings, and additives, and often contains nicotine, THC, or CBD oils. E-cigarettes are also called vapes, vape pens, tank systems, mods, e-hookahs, and electronic nicotine delivery systems. Using an e-cigarette is commonly referred to as “vaping.”
What is Causing Vaping Lung Injuries?
More information is needed to determine whether one or more products, substances, brand, or use methods is responsible for the current lung injury outbreak. However, the latest CDC findings suggest that THC products could play a role. Many of the individuals who have reported lung injury had used products containing THC, or products that contained both THC and nicotine. Others reported using only products that contained nicotine.
Common Symptoms of Vaping Lung Injury
Common symptoms reported to the CDC by individuals experiencing vaping lung injury include: cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and/or abdominal pain among their symptoms. For some, these symptoms developed over just a few days. Others experienced symptoms developing over several weeks. According to the CDC, a lung infection doesn’t appear to be causing the lung injury. If you or a loved one has recently used an e-cigarette or vaping product and experienced symptoms like these, see your healthcare provider. You can submit a detailed report of any health or product issues related to use of tobacco or e-cigarette products to the FDA’s Safety Reporting Portal.
CDC Recommendations
The CDC recommends not using e-cigarette or vaping products, particularly any that contain THC or CBD oils. Do not purchase these products off the street and do not modify or add any substances to the products that are not intended by the manufacturer.
If you are an adult who uses e-cigarettes because you quit smoking cigarettes, do not return to smoking cigarettes. If you decide to continue to use e-cigarettes to help you stop smoking, carefully monitor yourself for the symptoms outlined above and contact your doctor right away if you do experience any of these symptoms. If you need help quitting tobacco products, contact your healthcare provider.
It’s also important to note that outside of this investigation, the CDC recommends that young adults, women who are pregnant, and adults who do not currently use tobacco products shouldn’t start using e-cigarette or vaping products.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to vaping lung injury, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
