Doctors should watch for lung illnesses in people who vape, OHA says
PORTLAND, Ore. – Health officials are urging local clinicians to be on the lookout for signs of severe respiratory illnesses amid reports nationwide of people who vape coming down with breathing problems.
There’s been a cluster of mostly teens and young adults hospitalized with shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain across 16 different states, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) said.
No deaths have been reported, but reports say at least a few have come close.
At this point, OHA officials said there are no cases in Oregon. If someone does experience these issues after recently vaping, the OHA said they should seek medical help immediately.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working to identify a cause, and at this point all the patients said they’ve been using e-cigarettes or vaping.
"These serious new illnesses are another reason to encourage people to avoid vaping or to quit if they’re ready," said Tom Jeanne, deputy health officer at OHA’s Public Health Division.
The OHA said there are several free resources to help people quit: