Utah, Aug. 27, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — Utah public health officials are investigating after 21 reported cases of lung disease in individuals after recent vaping.
The Utah Department of Health posted a statement:
“We will be posting weekly updates on Mondays as we continue to investigate cases of lung disease among people who report vaping nicotine or THC products,” it said in part. “As of today, we are reporting 21 such cases.”
On Aug. 19, the Department of Health announced it was investigating the recent hospitalizations of five people who experienced serious breathing problems and reported recent vaping or other inhalational drugs, and that number has since burgeoned.
“The patients experienced shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain and cough,” the Heath Department statement said. “Symptoms worsened over a period of days or weeks before admission to the hospital. All patients were hospitalized, with some needing assistance to breathe.
“While patients have improved with treatment, it is unknown whether there will be long-term health effects.”
These cases are similar to cases reported nationally in other states such as Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota, the news release said.
“The Department of Health will continue to work with national partners, local health departments, and clinicians to try to identify the cause of these severe illnesses,” the statement said.
“Individuals who experience any type of chest pain or difficulty breathing after vaping should seek immediate medical attention. Health care providers treating patients with unexpected serious respiratory illness should ask about a history of recent vaping and are encouraged to report suspect cases to the UDOH or local health departments.”
Information about e-cigarettes and vapes can be found on the UDOH website here. For information about how you can help yourself or a loved one quit tobacco, including e-cigarettes, please visit waytoquit.org, or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
