Eight Wisconsin teenagers were hospitalized in July, and the state is investigating a possible link to vaping.
All eight teens were having symptoms of shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, cough and weight loss.
In a July 26 statement, the hospital wrote that each of the patients had a history of vaping.
“The popularity of vaping is obviously skyrocketing among our kids and its dangers are still relatively unknown” said Michael Gutzeit, MD. “We don’t have a lot of information about the long-term effects or even the short-term effects. What we do know is vaping is dangerous. It’s especially dangerous in teenagers and young adults.”
The statement goes on to read that the symptoms are varying from patient to patient, and some of them are needing assistance in order to breathe. While some of them are showing improvement after treatment, the long-term affects of what’s going on aren’t known.
“It is believed prolonged or continued exposure to these chemicals could lead to more serious health issues like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a permanent condition which makes lungs less effective at transporting oxygen and is permanent,” read the statement.
So far, there have been two reported deaths from vaping, and both deaths have occurred because of explosions.
In addition to respiratory issues and explosions, vaping can cause a myriad of oral health problems.
To read about them, check out our previous blog on Vaping and Oral Health: Not a Compatible Pair.
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