New York Health department has issued an advisory on the association of vaping with lung diseases
Vaping is associated with lung disease; so much so that the New York State Health Department has now issued an advisory alerting doctors and hospitals about the association.
“Cases of severe pulmonary disease have been reported in New York State (NYS) among patients who reported recent use of vape products. As of the date of this alert, 10 cases have been reported from various areas of NYS, including the Capital District, downstate, and western region. Patients have ranged in age from 18-49 years old. Detailed information about the reported vape products used is still being investigated, including the name and type of products as well as where they were obtained and the method of delivery and use. However, many cases have reported the use of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing vape products, as well as other vaping products, in the weeks to months prior to presentation,” reads the advisory.
Vaping or use of e-cigarettes has been a contentious topic for some time now, with many experts raising questions about their efficacy as a means to quit tobacco. India, for one has already issued an advisory asking for vaping devices to be banned
Patients have presented with symptoms such as cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, fatigue, nausea and headache. There is also often anorexia, diarrhoea and weight loss.
Vaping or use of e-cigarettes has been a contentious topic for some time now, with many experts raising questions about their efficacy as a means to quit tobacco. India, for one has already issued an advisory asking for vaping devices to be banned. With the order being challenged in court, the Indian ministry of health has started moving in a comprehensive national ban on such products.
The NY health department has asked all cases of suspected severe lung disease potentially associated with vape products to be reported to both the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the Poison Control Centers (PCC) in New York State. “Providers should determine the name(s) of recently used vape products and whether the actual product(s) used remain available for testing,” reads the advisory.
“While many people consider vaping to be a less dangerous alternative to smoking cigarettes, it is not risk free,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. “These latest reports of pulmonary disease in people using vaping products in New York and other states are proof that more study is needed on the long-term health effects of these products.”
