Health Alert: Vaping/E-Cigarette Use and Lung Illness
Outbreak of Lung Illness Associated with Using E-cigarette/Vaping Products
E-cigarettes are devices that deliver an aerosol to the user by heating a liquid that can contain: nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinoid (CBD) oils, and other substances and additives. THC is the psychoactive, mind-altering compound in marijuana that produces the “high.”
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), state and local health departments, and other clinical and public health partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of severe pulmonary disease associated with e-cigarette product (devices, liquids, refill pods, and/or cartridges) use.
This investigation is ongoing and has not identified a cause, but all reported cases have a history of using e-cigarette products.
The number of vaping-related lung injuries and deaths continues to climb, with cases reported in 49 states, the District of Columbia, and one U.S. territory. For the latest numbers and information on the outbreak, see the CDC, who updates the information every Thursday.
While this investigation is ongoing, CDC recommends that you consider refraining from using e-cigarette, or vaping, products, particularly those containing THC.
Patients in this investigation have reported symptoms such as:
- Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Fatigue, fever, or weight loss
Some patients reported that their symptoms developed over a few days, while others reported that their symptoms developed over several weeks.
If you’re currently using e-cigarettes or other vaping devices and experience any of these symptoms, call your primary care doctor immediately for medical advice.
Get Up-to-Date Information from the CDC
- Outbreak Resource Center
- Facts on the Risks of E-Cigarette Use in Kids, Teens and Young Adults
- Facts on E-Cigarette Use and Risks in Pregnancy
(source: Centers for Disease Control)
Vaping Information for Parents, Teachers, Coaches, and Healthcare Providers
To address the increase in e-cigarette (vape) use and help those who work with young people to better understand the dangers involved, the NJ Department of Health launched a new website with information for parents, teachers and coaches. The site describes the look and operation of various vapes, outlines the known risks, and provides links to news accounts, CDC information, and other resources.
- E-Cigarette/Vaping Information for Parents, Teachers, Coaches and Healthcare Providers
- Fact Sheet: What Parents Need to Know about E-Cigarettes, Vapes and JUULs (American Lung Association)
- Fact Sheet: The Impact of E-Cigarettes on the Lungs (American Lung Association)
Get Help Now
If you use e-cigarettes and/or smoke tobacco cigarettes, now is the time to take steps to improve your lung health.
Call 1-888-847-8823 for an appointment with a Virtua pulmonologist.
Updated October 29, 2019
