State investigating trends in respiratory diseases caused by vaping devices

August 29, 2019

State health officials inform the public of the increasing trend of respiratory illness among those who use electronic cigarettes and vaping devices.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is currently investigating respiratory illnesses associated with e-cigarettes / vaping. Six cases aged 19 to 39 are undergoing examination – all diagnosed in the last 60 days. This is part of a national epidemic survey, as more than 200 possible cases of serious respiratory illness associated with the use of electronic cigarette or vaporization have been reported in 23 states. The state of Illinois reported one death last week.

The severity of the disease is alarming and most Michigan patients have had to be hospitalized. MDHHS spokeswoman Lynn Sutfin said the situation was quite serious and the disease was coming out very quickly, so there is something to worry about. She says people have shortness of breath and other breathing problems, but some are hospitalized with ventilation. When told about any connection with marijuana, Sutfin told WHMI that what they found was that these people had a past history of using THC, which makes it a consideration. She pointed out that, until now, the investigation conducted by the state has not identified any specific brand of device or liquid responsible for diseases, which appears to be the same throughout the country.

Up to now, all reported cases have been reported in the lower peninsula of Michigan. According to Sutfin, any electronic cigarette or vaping user with symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. She says that they also discover that the symptoms can occur long after the use of a device. According to Sutfin, if a person has used a device in the past 90 days and is having symptoms, she will certainly look at it and investigate the case, because it is not just a problem. a problem in Michigan, but throughout the country. She says the ministry is currently working with local and federal partners as part of the national outbreak investigation. She says the information was sent earlier to health care providers when they started receiving national reports, but now that they are starting to see these cases, they want to make sure there is a public notice . (JM)