The message is simple – vaping is dangerous. In recent weeks, vaping has landed ninety people in California in the hospital for severe breathing problems and lung damage – two have died. Nationally, vaping is responsible for more than a 1,400 cases of lung damage and 33 people have died. It’s time for physicians to help raise awareness of the danger, especially when it comes to teenagers.
Doctors have long asked patients whether they smoke, but how many pediatricians are asking their patients or the parents of their patients whether they are vaping? Frankly, parents might not even know what their kids are doing since the e-cigarette devices can be deceptive. Some look like a cigarette, but many look like something else completely, including USB sticks or guitar picks. Some are even built into backpacks or hoodie string ties. Of course, e-cigarette manufacturers have pushed kid-friendly favors like banana split or chocolate cake to attract younger users.
We have seen a drop in adolescent tobacco use since the 1970s, so it is extremely disappointing to see the dramatic rise in vaping. The National Institute on Drug Abuse report from late last year found more than 37% of 12th graders reporting they had vaped in the previous 12 months. Nearly 12% reported daily vaping. It’s important to understand that the danger is especially high in teens whose brains are still developing. What makes all of this especially troubling is that there is no clear answer on why these cases of rapid lung disease are suddenly popping up.
Since the rash of illnesses, the California Department of Public Health has joined the American Medical Association, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in issuing warnings about the dangers of vaping. With the illnesses spread across 46 states, it has been difficult to pinpoint one ingredient or chemical in the e-cigarettes that is causing injury.
The CDC says THC has been present in a large majority of the cases, 77%, but not all. While researchers continue to look at the causes of the illnesses, physicians must remind patients that the use of any product containing nicotine is unsafe, including e-cigarettes. Physicians should also be doing the following, especially if someone presents with a respiratory complaint. Physicians should ask patients specifically if they vape, and ask what they are vaping. Ask how often they are vaping and where they are getting their vaping supplies. This information can not only help physicians in treating their patients, but they can provide valuable information to the CDC and California health agencies who are addressing the crisis on a wider level.
Some have been sounding an alarm for years, but it has taken this string of serious illnesses and deaths to generate this significant and coordinated response we are now seeing. Physicians can play an important role, but they must first educate themselves about these devices that had been touted as a smoking cessation tool. They aren’t working as supposedly intended. They are doing extreme harm. Stop vaping is the message that must be spread far and wide. We just have to hope that people – especially teens – will listen.
-Richard Seidman, MD, MPH
L.A. Care Health Plan Chief Medical Officer