U.S. Health Officials Warn: E-cigarettes Are Linked to 'Serious Lung Disease'

According to foreign media SlashGear, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services has issued a public health advisory urging the public to stop using e-cigarettes and other vaping devices after linking them to 'serious lung disease.' They observed this health issue among teenagers and young adults using vaping devices; 11 individuals were hospitalized, and another 7 were reported to be under investigation.
 
According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, these young patients experienced varying degrees of symptoms, including weight loss, fatigue, chest pain, cough, and shortness of breath. In some cases, patients required respiratory assistance.

Health officials are currently investigating these cases, including the vaping products associated with them. In addition to urging people to stop using these products, officials also stated that anyone who experiences 'unexplained respiratory issues' after using e-cigarettes should seek medical attention.

Medical professionals are uncertain about the potential long-term health consequences of this lung disease, but they noted that patients have shown 'improvement' after receiving treatment. It is currently unclear how long the average hospitalization lasts.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now involved in this investigation; public health officials from other states have also been informed of the situation, and similar cases may arise in other states. Wisconsin has classified this lung-related issue under its 'outbreak and investigation' advisory, which will be updated as necessary.

Although considered a less harmful alternative to tobacco cigarettes, many experts warn that the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes remain unclear. Numerous studies have found various potential issues with these devices, including contamination and potentially harmful flavorings. In April, the FDA issued a warning stating that e-cigarettes may trigger seizures in teenagers and young adults, with reports of such incidents on the rise.