Vaping Related Illnesses
The CDC Has Defined a New Condition
E-Cigarette and Vaping-related Lung Injury (EVALI)
What is it?
You may have heard in the news that recent developments and studies are showing a strong connection between vaping, e-cigarettes, and heightened health risks. Hundreds of people are suffering from EVALI, which stands for E-cigarette and Vaping-related product use Associated with Lung Injury.
Who is at risk?
Most EVALI patients are young individuals who have smoked Marijuana (THC) with E-cigarettes or Flavored E-cigarettes. Smoking E-cigarettes without THC or flavors is still not safe. Pathology reports have shown fat accumulation causing a type of pneumonia called Lipoid Pneumonia. High concentration of Vitamin E have been found which is injurious to the epithelial lining of the lungs.
*Please be advised that vaping is a risk factor for COPD cigarette smoking at a later age.
When Should I Seek a Medical Professional?
Common symptoms of EVALI will look a lot like the flu. You may feel chest pain, 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.
2,051 cases of vaping-related illnesses have been reported along with 39 deaths, according to the CDC. The cause of the lung injuries and deaths have prompted health officials to warn against vaping altogether and for state and federal lawmakers to mull or impose vaping sale bans.
Why Prana Health?
Prana Health is the only private practice evaluating children and adolescents in the Wake, Lee, Cumberland and surrounding counties. Saturday appointments in Wake county are available!
Prana Health is a reputable pulmonary clinic based out of North Carolina, currently operating in Fayetteville, Sanford, and Cary. We can offer a full clinical evaluation by board certified pulmonologist in the following;
- Full Pulmonary Function Testing by Respiratory therapist including Lung Volumes and Diffusion of capacity which can be the earliest derangement before clinical symptoms develop.
- Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET)
- Urine Drug Screen (UDS) Urine Toxicology
- CT scan of the chest (not performed at our facility)
- Oxygen level evaluation while at rest
- Determination of oxygen levels while resting, exerting and while sleeping
- Smoking cessation counseling by a board certified pulmonologist
- De-addiction therapy by a Board Certified Addiction Specialist (Soon to be available via telemedicine)
“As of August 27, 2019, 215 possible cases of severe pulmonary disease associated with the use of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) products (e.g., devices, liquids, refill pods, and cartridges) had been reported to CDC by 25 state health departments. E-cigarettes are devices that produce an aerosol by heating a liquid containing various chemicals, including nicotine, flavorings, and other additives (e.g., propellants, solvents, and oils). Users inhale the aerosol, including any additives, into their lungs. Aerosols produced by e-cigarettes can contain harmful or potentially harmful substances, including heavy metals such as lead, volatile organic compounds, ultra-fine particles, cancer-causing chemicals, or other agents such as chemicals used for cleaning the device. “
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report