What is E-Cigarette and Vaping-related Lung Injury (EVALI)?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared E-Cigarette and Vaping-related Lung Injury (EVALI) an official medical condition. There is a strong connection between vaping/e-cigarettes and heightened health risks.
Who is at risk?
Most EVALI patients are young individuals who have smoked Marijuana (THC) with E-cigarettes or Flavored E-cigarettes. Pathology shows fat accumulation causing a type of pneumonia called Lipoid Pneumonia. High concentrations of Vitamin E have been found to be injurious to the epithelial lining of the lungs.
In addition, vaping is a risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from cigarette smoking at a later age and increases the risk of nicotine dependence and cigarette use.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of EVALI look a lot like the flu. You may feel chest pain and experience coughing, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, nausea, and even weight loss. Should symptoms persist and/or worsen, please consult with your doctor to discuss your symptoms as they can often be signs of EVALI.
The CDC has reported thousands of cases of vaping-related illnesses along with several deaths. The cause of the lung injuries and deaths have prompted health officials to warn the public against vaping; and for state and federal lawmakers to impose vaping sale bans.
What Prana can do
At Prana Health, we are well equipped to evaluate illness caused by vaping. We offer a full spectrum of breathing tests, oxygen measurement and behavioral and counseling services to help patients quit vaping.