Answer Addiction

Category: Vaping Related Illness

  • Vaping Death Toll Rises To Nine

    Vaping Death Toll Rises To Nine

    The Kansas resident, who was a new e-cigarette user, had an underlying health condition. 

    A second Kansas resident has died from a vaping-related illness, bringing the national death toll to at least nine as of Wednesday (Sept. 25). 

    The most recent victim was a man older than 50. He had an underlying health condition, according to information provided by the state’s Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). 

    “Today, I am saddened to announce the death of a second Kansan in association with this outbreak,” Governor Laura Kelly said in a news release. “Dr. Lee Norman and his team with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment are working tirelessly with other states and organizations to gather facts on e-cigarettes and its effects. We are coordinating a response to combat this epidemic, so that families can avoid such tragic outcomes.”

    New Users Are Affected Too

    The man was reportedly a new vape pen user. 

    “The patient had recently begun using e-cigarettes prior to hospitalization,” said state epidemiologist Dr. Farah Ahmed.

    The information on vaping-related illness in Kansas shows how widespread the issue is. The other death in the state was of a woman, also over 50, who also had underlying health issues.

    However, of the nine confirmed cases of vape-related deaths in the country, the victims have ranged in age from 17-67. They’ve included five men and four women. The products linked to the illnesses have contained tobacco, THC, CBD or a combination of these. 

    “E-cigarettes are unregulated, which means that we don’t know what’s in them,” said Norman, the secretary of KDHE. “And, of great concern to me, is that in the midst of all these illnesses being reported, the amount of young people using them is significant.”

    Youth Vaping Epidemic

    Parents must be aware that even though their children aren’t smoking traditional cigarettes, they could be vaping, officials say.  

    “Most teens who vape have never smoked cigarettes. Vaping is how they are initiating inhaling things into their lungs. We must work diligently and swiftly in addressing this public health crisis,” Norman said. 

    The state reports that 10.6% of high schoolers and 4.6% of adults use vaping products. All of them could be at risk, since it’s unknown what is causing vape-related illnesses. 

    “The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is urging people to stop vaping while this national investigation is underway,” said Ahmed.

    Norman said it’s important that everyone be aware of the risks of vaping, especially while vape pens remain widely available. 

    “Until [new] rules and regulations go into effect, education is our best defense,” he said. “Talk to your kids. Talk to your grandkids. Keep talking about these issues.”

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • CDC, FDA Open Investigation Into Vaping-Related Lung Disease 

    CDC, FDA Open Investigation Into Vaping-Related Lung Disease 

    The federal agencies are investigating more than 200 cases to see if there is a “common cause or if they are different diseases with similar presentations.”

    As vaping has picked up in popularity in recent years, concerns around the habit have also increased. 

    Most recently, U.S. health officials have announced an investigation of up to 354 possible cases of severe lung disease associated with vaping. According to the Washington Post, the cases span 29 states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said in a statement released Friday (Aug. 30).  

    However, the agencies say more information is necessary in order to conclude whether the lung illnesses are connected to a specific product. 

    “Even though cases appear similar, it is not clear if these cases have a common cause or if they are different diseases with similar presentations, which is why our ongoing investigation is critical,” CDC Director Robert Redfield and acting FDA Commissioner Ned Sharpless said in the statement. 

    According to officials, such as Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, these possible connections between vaping and lung disease should not be overlooked. Azar says, “this situation, and the rising tide of youth tobacco use, is a top public health priority for the Trump Administration and every leader at HHS.”

    Counterfeit Products

    A CDC official said that the investigation is “starting to point to what solvents are being used, and that can vary a lot.” The official adds that this is especially concerning in counterfeit and black market products. 

    To avoid possible complications, the FDA says those who vape should not modify or add substances to e-cigarettes and should not buy any such substances off the streets. They should also remain vigilant of any health issues or concerns and seek medical intervention if they feel the need. 

    According to the Post, officials are encouraging those who use e-cigarettes to cease doing so and to talk to medical professionals about other options, such as nicotine gum or patches. 

    The CDC and FDA also noted that in many of the lung disease cases, the individual had also used THC or CBD. 

    “People need to stop using these illicit THC products now—and it’s the CDC’s responsibility to say what we do know,” Michael Siegel, a professor of community health services at Boston University, tells the Post. “Yes, there are unknowns. Yes, there may be other products implicated as well. But a large number [of confirmed cases] seem to involve THC oils purchased from ‘pop-up shops.’”

    New Territory

    State departments are working to gather and share information. Illinois Department of Health Director Ngozi Ezike tells CNBC that the investigation is “new territory.” 

    “We’re on the cusp of what we consider new territory in that this is not an illness or an association between vaping and acute respiratory illnesses that have been reported before or that CDC even collects information on,” Ezike said.

    According to the Post, the plan is for the CDC to create a data collection system for states and to “finalize an initial definition of a vaping-related lung injury or illness by week’s end.”

    View the original article at thefix.com