Lung Disease Linked To Vaping In Texas: What To Know

The Texas Department of State Health Services is one of several state health departments in the country investigating cases of lung disease linked to vaping.

Texas health officials issued a health alert and said that in the suspected cases of pulmonary disease under investigation, all people reported vaping either nicotine or THC. None of the patients had infectious diseases.

The department is working with other states and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The symptoms patients experienced include cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Some patients also nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. According to health officials, the symptoms worsened over a period of days and weeks before patients were admitted to the hospital.

In some cases, people have suffered from severe lung disease.

The department said anyone who experiences difficulty breathing, cough, or other symptoms in the days or months after vaping should seek immediate medical attention. Officials also gave the following recommendations for clinicians:

• Ask patients presenting with respiratory symptoms about vaping history. If possible, inquire about the types of products used and methods of use.
• If vaping fluid commonly used by the patient is available, ask that it be set aside (not used) in case it is needed for testing.
• Be aware that some suspect cases have required high-level intensive care and respiratory support.
• Suspected cases should be reported to the Texas Department of State Health Services at 512-776-7268.

According to CNN, at least 15 states have identified more than 120 cases of lung disease that may be linked to vaping.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says e-cigarettes are not safe for youth, young adults, pregnant women, or adults who do not currently use tobacco products. The agency says that scientists still have a lot to learn about whether the devices are effective for quitting smoking and that additional research can help understand the long-term health effects.

The CDC says e-cigarettes are less harmful than regular cigarettes but the aerosol in the devices can contain susbtances that are harmful. However, the aerosol contains fewer harmful substances than burned tobacco products.

>>>Read more about e-cigarettes via the CDC.

>>>Read more about the health alert from the Texas Department of State Health Services.