Vaping May Have Already Caused Lung Harm In Many
After our history with cigarettes, many have looked at electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigs or vapes, with a critical eye.
However, for many smokers vaping was an alternative too sweet to miss, literally. The flavors combined with their nicotine-quenching abilities can seem quite appealing.
While researchers have raced to conclude exactly how electronic cigarettes may be affecting the body, recent hospitalizations may have upped the anty on solving the mystery.
The Washington Post wrote on August 16th that investigations had begun for 94 cases involving lung illnesses and vaping. Identical symptoms-- shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea-- began popping up over 14 states since June 28th. So far, the CDC is working with California, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, and Wisconsin to determine how e-cigs may be linked to pulmonary illnesses.
Patients have had a history of vaping nicotine products, marijuana products, and in some cases, home-made brews. Officials have yet to determine whether the cause is the e-cig itself, specific ingredients, or contaminants inhaled through the mechanism.
As of recent, 31 cases have been confirmed by officials as being related to vaping devices. Clinicians still are unaware of whether or not the damage is reversible.
While there has been past speculation about electronic cigarettes being a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, until further monitoring is done it cannot be presumed that the instruments are safe.
