Vaping Epidemic
Read and view the following items addressing this situation.
Across California, there have been 57 cases of acute lung disease among people with a recent history of vaping since late June, according to state health officials. Sacramento County is not immune 44 of those patients are local.
“Some people have been hospitalized in ICU intubated and on ventilators, ultimately, treated with steroids,”
Three more deaths and at least 450 illnesses linked to vaping nationwide links to an external site.
2019_Aug_24_Vaping illness_ Acute respiratory failure nearly killed Alexander Mitchell and doctors blame e-cigarettes – The Washington Post.pdf (cancergoldstandard.org)
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Why Doctors Believe Vaping Landed 17-Year-Old In ICULinks to an external site.
Vaping for the first time can damage blood vesselsLinks to an external site.
Discussion Review Directions:
Be sure to list and define each medical term listed. Then answer the following questions.
Medical Terms to Define
Aspirate
Bronchoscopy
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Eosinophilic Pneumonia
Endotracheal Intubation
High-Frequency Oscillation Ventilation
Lipid-Laden Macrophages
Lipoid Pneumonia
Mechanical Ventilation
Obliterative Bronchiolitis
Vape or Vaping
Discussion Questions:
- Vaping has been on the landscape for more than a decade. What has changed? Why are these illnesses just now showing up?
- How would you explain the course of action the health professionals are taking to treat the illness experienced by one of the individuals above?
- So, does the information given in the articles diminish vaping? Why or why not?
- Reading the quote from Scott Aberegg, are they listening hard enough? Why
Scott Aberegg, a pulmonologist at the University of Utah Hospital, said there’s an old saying among doctors who can’t figure out what’s going on with a patient.
“It’s either a new disease, or you’re not listening hard enough,” he said.
How to solve
Allied Health 311
Introduction:
The vaping epidemic has become a growing concern in recent years, with an increasing number of cases of acute lung disease linked to vaping. As medical college students, it is important to understand the medical terms related to this issue and explore the various aspects surrounding it. In this discussion, we will define relevant medical terms and address key questions raised by the vaping epidemic.
1. Vaping has been on the landscape for more than a decade. What has changed? Why are these illnesses just now showing up?
The popularity of vaping and the use of electronic cigarettes have indeed been present for over a decade. However, several factors have contributed to the recent surge in illnesses associated with vaping. Changes in the composition of e-cigarettes and the use of new vaping products, including those containing THC or vitamin E acetate, have emerged as potential culprits. In addition, the widespread availability and marketing of flavored e-cigarettes have attracted a younger demographic, leading to increased use among adolescents. The delayed emergence of these illnesses may be attributed to multiple factors, including the time required for cumulative exposure to potentially harmful substances and the delayed recognition of vaping-related health risks.
2. How would you explain the course of action the health professionals are taking to treat the illness experienced by one of the individuals above?
The treatment approach for individuals suffering from vaping-related lung diseases may vary depending on the severity of symptoms. In severe cases, patients may require intensive care unit (ICU) management, which may include endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation to support respiratory function. In some cases, high-frequency oscillation ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) might be utilized to provide additional respiratory support. Bronchoscopy may be performed to obtain samples for diagnostic evaluation, which may reveal findings such as eosinophilic pneumonia or lipid-laden macrophages. In general, a multidisciplinary team of pulmonologists, intensivists, and critical care nurses collaborate to provide comprehensive treatment and supportive care tailored to each patient’s condition and needs.
3. So, does the information given in the articles diminish vaping? Why or why not?
The information provided in the articles highlights the potentially severe health risks associated with vaping. The cases of acute lung disease, hospitalizations, and deaths attributed to vaping serve as alarming evidence of the dangers involved. Additionally, the identification of specific lung conditions such as lipoid pneumonia and obliterative bronchiolitis, which are directly linked to vaping, further emphasizes the risks. Thus, the information provided in the articles does contribute to diminishing the perception of vaping as a harmless activity, highlighting the need for increased awareness and caution.
4. Reading the quote from Scott Aberegg, are they listening hard enough? Why?
Scott Aberegg’s quote, “It’s either a new disease, or you’re not listening hard enough,” reflects the uncertainties and challenges faced by medical professionals in identifying and understanding emerging health issues. While the medical community is working diligently to identify and respond to the vaping epidemic, the complexities of these illnesses make it a difficult task. The rapidly evolving landscape of vaping products, the lack of long-term research, and the variability of individual responses to vaping compounds present ongoing challenges. However, the quote emphasizes the need for a continuous and vigilant approach by healthcare professionals to adapt and respond to emerging health concerns, reinforcing the importance of active listening and attentiveness in addressing public health issues like the vaping epidemic.
