The latest trend for young people is the enticement of flavored vape products seemingly now sold everywhere. The chemicals that are introduced into the lungs and bloodstreams of ‘vogue vapers’ is downright scary. Recently, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services reported 11 confirmed cases of severe lung disease linked to recent vaping among teens and young adults; an additional seven cases are pending investigation. At the same time, the Illinois Department of Public Health is investigating three cases. These are just the “reported incidences”; unreported and long-term health effects are yet to be seen.

All confirmed cases in this latest published report required hospitalization. Patients presented with cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue, which became worse over days or weeks before admission. Some patients also had fever, anorexia, pleuritic chest pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Chest radiographs revealed bilateral opacities, usually in the lower lobes, and computed tomographic imaging showed diffuse ground-glass opacities.

Endotracheal intubation was required in some patients. Although patients improved with systemic steroids, “it is not known if there will be long-term health effects,” according to Wisconsin’s health department.

Tests for infectious causes in the Wisconsin patients were negative. All patients reported vaping in the weeks or months before hospitalization; investigators are still compiling information on the types of vaping products used.

It is our stance to discourage the use of vaping in every case. The chemical exposure is simply not worth the risk.

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