Lung injuries from vaping probably result from direct toxicity or tissue damage caused by noxious chemical fumes.
"We were not surprised by what we
found, regarding toxicity," Brandon T. Larsen, MD, PhD, a surgical
pathologist at the Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, and a national expert in
lung pathology.
"We have seen a handful of cases,
scattered individual cases, over the past two years where we've observed the
same thing, and now we are seeing a sudden spike in cases.
To learn more about the pathology of
vaping-associated lung injury, Larsen and colleagues studied lung biopsy
specimens from 17 patients (13 men; median age, 35 years) who reported vaping
and who were suspected of having associated lung injuries. Most (71%) of the
patients vaped with marijuana or cannabis oils.
The researchers saw no histologic or radiologic evidence of tissue damage resulting from an accumulation of lipids such as mineral oils, which until now have been a suspected cause of vaping-linked lung injuries.
“It seems to be some kind of direct
chemical injury, similar to what one might see with exposures to toxic chemical
fumes, poisonous gases and toxic agents,"
More than 800 lung injury cases have been
linked to vaping during the past several months, and at least 12 patients in 10
states have died.
Some states have temporarily banned the sale of e-cigarettes or the flavored liquids used in the products, pending health investigations. The American Lung Association says e-cigarettes are not safe and can cause permanent lung injury and disease.
"Everyone should recognize that vaping
is not without potential risks, including life-threatening risks, and I think
our research supports that."
"It would seem prudent based on our observations to explore ways to
better regulate the industry and better educate the public, especially our
youth, about the risks associated with vaping."
Adolescent years are times
of important brain development. Brain development begins during the growth of
the fetus in the womb and continues through childhood and to about age 25.
Nicotine exposure during adolescence and young adulthood can cause addiction
and harm the developing brain
E-cigarettes are very popular
with young people. Their use has grown dramatically in the last five years. Today,
more high school students use e-cigarettes than regular cigarettes. The use of
e-cigarettes is higher among high school students than adults.
The following is a great tip
sheet on how to talk to your kids about vaping/E-cigarettes.
Dr.
Stephen Kelly D.C.
Dr. Kelly practice at Family First Chiropractic located at 142
Erickson Dr in Red Deer. Call us today to book an appointment 403-347-3261 www.family1stchiro.ca
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