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Vaping has become increasingly popular as a supposed safer alternative to traditional cigarettes. However, recent research has shown that vaping carries its own risks and can make you sick. One of the most serious illnesses associated with vaping is called e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI).
In August 2019, the CDC started tracking cases of severe lung problems in individuals who vape. Thousands of people experienced lung damage and required hospital treatment, and several deaths were linked to vaping. The exact causes and long-term effects of EVALI are still being studied, but there are already signs to watch for if you are concerned about this condition.
Key Takeaways:
- Vaping carries its own risks and can make you sick.
- E-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) is a severe illness associated with vaping.
- The symptoms of EVALI include fever, chills, cough, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.
- Individuals who vape, regardless of age or existing health conditions, can be affected by EVALI.
- The average age of individuals with EVALI is 24, and nearly 4 out of 5 cases involve individuals younger than 35.
- Vitamin E acetate, a common chemical found in e-cigarette or vaping products that contain THC, is a potential risk factor for EVALI.
- Seek medical help immediately if you experience symptoms associated with EVALI and have vaped any kind of product in the past 90 days.
- Quitting vaping altogether is the best way to avoid the risk of vaping-related illnesses.
Understanding EVALI – Vaping-Related Lung Injury
Vaping has become increasingly popular as a supposed safer alternative to traditional cigarettes. However, recent research has shown that vaping carries its own risks and can make you sick. One of the most serious illnesses associated with vaping is called e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI).
In August 2019, the CDC started tracking cases of severe lung problems in individuals who vape. Thousands of people experienced lung damage and required hospital treatment, and several deaths were linked to vaping. The exact causes and long-term effects of EVALI are still being studied, but there are already signs to watch for if you are concerned about this condition.
Symptoms of EVALI
The symptoms of EVALI include fever, chills, cough, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Some individuals report that these symptoms developed over a few days, while others experienced them over several weeks. It is important to note that EVALI can affect anyone who vapes, regardless of age or existing health conditions.
The average age of individuals with EVALI is 24, and nearly 4 out of 5 cases involve individuals younger than 35. This may be because vaping products are more popular among young people. It is worth mentioning that EVALI is not limited to those who vape nicotine. The majority of cases have involved individuals who vape THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, although there have also been reports of people who exclusively vape nicotine experiencing EVALI.
One potential risk factor for EVALI is the presence of vitamin E acetate in the vaping product. Vitamin E acetate is a common chemical found in the lungs of individuals who have fallen ill. It is often used as a thickening agent, particularly in e-cigarette or vaping products that contain THC. However, it is important to note that the safety of vaping nicotine is not yet established, as the industry is largely unregulated, and there is no standard manufacturers have to follow. This means that buyers may not always know what they are getting when they purchase vaping products.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with EVALI and have vaped any kind of product in the past 90 days, it is important to seek medical help immediately. A doctor will conduct a thorough examination and evaluation to rule out other illnesses, such as bacterial or viral pneumonia. Tests such as chest X-rays or CT scans may be performed to assess lung damage. Treatment for EVALI may include corticosteroids to reduce lung inflammation or the use of a ventilator in severe cases. However, it is crucial to follow the doctor’s advice and not return to vaping if they determine that the symptoms are due to a common cold or stomach bug.
Risk Factors for EVALI
The average age of individuals with EVALI is 24, and nearly 4 out of 5 cases involve individuals younger than 35. This may be because vaping products are more popular among young people. It is worth mentioning that EVALI is not limited to those who vape nicotine. The majority of cases have involved individuals who vape THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, although there have also been reports of people who exclusively vape nicotine experiencing EVALI.
One potential risk factor for EVALI is the presence of vitamin E acetate in the vaping product. Vitamin E acetate is a common chemical found in the lungs of individuals who have fallen ill. It is often used as a thickening agent, particularly in e-cigarette or vaping products that contain THC. However, it is important to note that the safety of vaping nicotine is not yet established, as the industry is largely unregulated, and there is no standard manufacturers have to follow. This means that buyers may not always know what they are getting when they purchase vaping products.
Other Vaping-Related Lung Diseases
In addition to EVALI, vaping has also been associated with other serious lung diseases. One such condition is bronchiolitis obliterans, also known as “popcorn lung.” This rare condition results from damage to the small airways of the lungs and can be caused by inhalation of diacetyl, a chemical frequently added to flavored e-liquids. Symptoms of popcorn lung include coughing, wheezing, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
Another vaping-related lung disease is lipoid pneumonia. Unlike infectious pneumonia, lipoid pneumonia occurs when fatty acids from inhaled oily substances enter the lungs and trigger an inflammatory response. Symptoms include chronic cough, shortness of breath, and coughing up blood or blood-tinged mucus. Treatment for lipoid pneumonia primarily involves supportive care, as there is no specific treatment for the condition.
Vaping has also been associated with an increased risk of primary spontaneous pneumothorax, or collapsed lung. This condition occurs when there is a hole in the lung through which oxygen escapes. Smoking or vaping can increase the risk of this happening, especially in individuals who are tall and thin or who have experienced rapid growth during adolescence. Symptoms of a collapsed lung include sharp chest or shoulder pain, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. Treatment options range from oxygen therapy and rest to more advanced measures such as chest tube insertion or surgery to repair the lung.
The Potential Link to Lung Cancer and Secondhand Vaping
While the long-term effects of vaping on lung cancer are not yet known, it is concerning that vaping introduces various chemicals into the lungs, which could potentially contribute to the development of cancer. The chemicals in e-liquids, such as formaldehyde, acrolein, and benzene, have been shown to have carcinogenic properties.
Inhaling secondhand vapor from e-cigarettes is also not harmless. The vapor exhaled by individuals who vape contains nicotine, ultrafine particles, diacetyl, and benzene, among other substances. Even though it may not have the same immediate impact on the lungs as firsthand vaping, secondhand exposure to vaping can still be harmful.
It is worth noting that vaping products are largely unregulated, which means that manufacturers may use harmful ingredients in their products without being detected. This lack of regulation also means that there are no standard safety measures for consumers to follow when it comes to vaping.
The best way to avoid the risks associated with vaping is to quit altogether. If you are having trouble quitting, there are resources available to help you, such as nicotine patches, gum, or other medication. It is also important to avoid secondhand exposure to vaping and to be aware of the potential long-term effects on lung health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, vaping can make you sick and has been associated with various lung diseases, including EVALI, popcorn lung, lipoid pneumonia, and primary spontaneous pneumothorax. The exact mechanisms and causes behind these illnesses are still being studied, but there is evidence to suggest that the chemicals present in e-liquids, such as vitamin E acetate, diacetyl, formaldehyde, and acrolein, can have detrimental effects on lung health. It is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with vaping and to seek medical help if you experience any symptoms. Quitting vaping altogether is the best way to avoid the risk of vaping-related illnesses.
FAQ
Q: Can vaping make you sick?
A: Yes, vaping has been associated with various lung diseases and illnesses such as EVALI, popcorn lung, lipoid pneumonia, and collapsed lung.
Q: What is EVALI?
A: EVALI stands for e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury, a serious illness linked to vaping that can cause severe lung damage and even death.
Q: What are the symptoms of EVALI?
A: Symptoms of EVALI include fever, chills, cough, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.
Q: Who is at risk for EVALI?
A: EVALI can affect anyone who vapes, regardless of age or existing health conditions. However, the average age of individuals with EVALI is 24, and nearly 4 out of 5 cases involve individuals younger than 35.
Q: What are some other vaping-related lung diseases?
A: Other vaping-related lung diseases include popcorn lung (bronchiolitis obliterans), lipoid pneumonia, and primary spontaneous pneumothorax (collapsed lung).
Q: Is vaping associated with an increased risk of lung cancer?
A: While the long-term effects of vaping on lung cancer are not yet known, vaping introduces various chemicals into the lungs that could potentially contribute to the development of cancer.
Q: Is secondhand vapor from e-cigarettes harmful?
A: Yes, secondhand vapor from e-cigarettes contains nicotine, ultrafine particles, diacetyl, and benzene, among other substances. It is best to avoid secondhand exposure to vaping.
