Health from A to Z

The E-cigarette Epidemic Continues: Here’s What You Need to Know

As the use of e-cigarettes continues to grow, so does the prevalence of diseases associated with so-called “vaping.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that as of April 25, 2023, there have been a total of 4,156 cases of vaping-related illnesses in the USA, including 72 deaths.

This epidemic has raised concerns about the safety of e-cigarettes and their potential long-term health effects.

What is Vaping Disease?

Vaping disease is associated with the use of electronic cigarettes. It is a condition where the lungs become inflamed and damaged due to inhaling aerosol or vapor from e-cigarettes. Symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, patients may require hospitalization and mechanical ventilation.

Studies

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Research has shown that vaping illness is caused by inhaling harmful chemicals found in the aerosol of e-cigarettes. These include vitamin E acetate, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and other toxic substances.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that vitamin E acetate was present in 94% of lung fluid samples from patients who use e-cigarettes.

Another study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine showed that the use of electronic cigarettes increases the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The study analyzed data from over 50,000 participants and found that the use of electronic cigarettes is associated with a 1.3 times increased risk of developing such a disease.

The Dangers of Flavored E-cigarettes Flavored e-cigarettes are becoming increasingly popular among young people. Over 80% of young e-cigarette users reported using flavored products. However, these flavored e-cigarettes may pose a greater risk due to the added chemicals used to create the flavors.

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology showed that flavored e-cigarettes increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs. The study also showed that ROS levels are higher in flavored e-cigarettes compared to non-flavored ones.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Health

If you currently use electronic cigarettes or are considering using them, there are steps you can take to protect your health. First, avoid using e-cigarettes that contain vitamin E acetate, THC, or other harmful substances. Stick to regulated e-cigarettes and avoid buying products from unlicensed sellers.

Second, avoid using flavored e-cigarettes. Instead, choose non-flavored e-cigarettes or consider quitting e-cigarettes altogether.

Finally, if you experience any symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, seek medical help immediately.

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