Vaping might probably be not the best idea to do right now, health officials warn. Although it has been promoted as the "healthier" alternative, vaping has been linked to a newly discovered lung disease that doctors consider deadly.
In light of the increase in the number of patients suffering from this mysterious lung disease directly linked to vaping, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) issues an advisory to all concerned. The health risks should make one "refrain from using e-cigarettes and all other products associated with it" while the agency looks into the issue.
In their statement, officials of the CDC have positively identified 215 cases of patients suffering from a lung disease that is directly linked to vaping in 25 states in the US. However, the cause of these diseases remain unknown, the statement said.
Officials of Wisconsin are rather stern about sending the message. In a warning, they urged their residents to "stop using e-cigarettes or vapes immediately". According to the statement released by the Health Department of the City of Milwaukee, 16 people in the city have been diagnosed with an unknown lung disease doctors linked to vaping.
"Apart from the ongoing investigations that several agencies across the US are conducting, e-cigarettes are not recommended to minors, pregnant women, young adults or even adults who are currently not users of tobacco products," the CDC said. "What's more is that people should not buy e-cigarette products sold off the streets nor should they try to modify these products at home. Neither should they be using substances to the vape that is not intended for it by its manufacturer."
Shortness of breath, cough, and chest pains -- these are just a few of the symptoms that people who use e-cigarettes should watch out for. When they suffer from any of these, it is best to seek professional medical attention immediately.
Government agencies are currently conducting an investigation to identify the types of e-cigarettes and particular brands that may be involved in the identified cases. Many of the patients reported that they have been using vaping THC products before they fell ill. However, it remains a mystery if all these cases are caused by the same thing or if they are different diseases sharing similar symptoms.
