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The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and the Maryland Poison Center of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Maryland have identified five people who, in the last two months, have contracted a serious lung disease after using electronic cigarettes, often referred to as "vaping".
Respiratory symptoms reported by patients included shortness of breath, pain associated with breathing and coughing. Fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea were other symptoms. The cases had no obvious infectious cause and all required hospitalization.
To date, none of the cases in Maryland has been fatal. These cases are among the nearly 200 reported cases of vaping-related illness in 22 states, resulting in at least one death.
"The Maryland Department of Health is taking this issue seriously and working with local health departments, disease control and prevention centers, and the Food and Drug Administration to identify anyone who may have symptoms." similar, "said the Under-Secretary for Public Health of the MDH. Frances B. Phillips.
The cause of these diseases is not yet known and has not been linked to any particular device, substance or brand. People who became ill reported using various vaping products, including those containing marijuana and THC and those containing nicotine.
"It's a serious and potentially life-threatening disease," said Bruce Anderson, general manager of the Maryland Poison Center. "If you have used e-cigarettes or have been vaping in recent weeks or months and you are having trouble breathing, stop using these products and see a doctor immediately."
Many vaping products contain substances that may be toxic if inhaled and may not be listed on the packaging.
"There are so many things we do not know about the content of these products. The best way to stay safe is to not use e-cigarettes or vape, "said Dawn Berkowitz, Director of MDH's Center for Tobacco Control and Prevention. "We know that quitting is difficult, but there are resources to help you. Trained professionals are available 24/7 to help you quit or smoke. "
MDH encourages medical providers taking care of patients with unexplained serious respiratory illness to ask questions about a history of recent e-cigarette or vaping use and to report suspected cases to their local health service.
MDH will post the updated information as it becomes available at https://phpa.health.maryland.gov/OEHFP/EH/Pages/VapingIllness.aspx. For free help to stop using these devices or any tobacco product, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
This article was posted on August 30, 2019 at 10:41 and is filed under All News, Anne Arundel News, Calvert News, Charles News, County, More Information, Prince George's News, St. Mary's & ##; 39; s News, 600X120 z 600X120 Top Ad Top. You can follow the responses to this entry via the RSS 2.0 feed.
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