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‘Oh I don’t smoke, I just vape’

  • Writer: Dr. Catherine Meller
    Dr. Catherine Meller
  • Mar 11, 2020
  • 1 min read

The emerging dangers of cigarette substitutes.

EVALI - e-cigarette and vaping associated lung injury - is a new term, created in August 2019 in the USA where alarming numbers of patients were discovered to have lung injuries caused by cigarette substitutes.


‘The illness was first recognized by the CDC in August 2019 after health department officials across the country began to work together to study cases of severe, sometimes fatal, lung infections that arose suddenly in otherwise healthy individuals.’

Diagnosing EVALI can be challenging because the symptoms of this lung condition are similar to those in other respiratory illnesses, like pneumonia and even the seasonal flu virus.


They include:

  • Shortness of breath

  • Cough

  • Chest pain

  • Fever and chills

  • Diarrhea

  • Nausea

  • VomitingTachycardia (rapid heartbeat)

  • Tachypnea (rapid and shallow breathing)


Current management is based on expert opinion, as this group of diseases is so new that there is currently a lack of good quality evidence for its management. At this stage treatment generally comprises of steroids to reduce the inflammation, antibiotics to fight infection, and a combination of inhaled medications to help open up the airways.


As always, if you are concerned about any symptoms please see your doctor.

For those looking to stop smoking please consider www.quit.org.au

6 Comments


Dan Alpha
3 days ago

Interesting read, especially the point that vaping can sometimes be viewed differently from traditional smoking despite having its own risks. It’s a topic that often gets misunderstood, so articles like this help put the discussion into perspective. I’ve also come across conversations about a vape shop Australia while researching the subject. Definitely an interesting perspective on vaping.

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etoddg3eat53
Aug 15

The discussion surrounding EVALI highlights significant gaps in our understanding of vaping-related health risks. The challenges in diagnosing EVALI reveal how closely its symptoms resemble those of other respiratory illnesses. This brings attention to the need for more research and clarity regarding Thepokies and the broader implications of vaping, especially among young adults who might underestimate its dangers.

https://www.hansaaustralia.com.au/post/discover-melbourne-gourmet-sausages-a-taste-of-tradition-and-quality

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cawimayufek248
Jul 30

The emergence of EVALI highlights a critical public health challenge that demands thorough investigation. The complexities surrounding the diagnosis, due to its symptom overlap with other respiratory conditions, often complicate timely interventions. Moreover, the expert opinion-based management raises concerns about efficacy and safety, illustrating the urgent need for more research in this area represents a model for innovative solutions in addressing such health crises, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among health professionals. This situation reiterates the necessity for informed health choices in vaping and smoking cessation efforts.

https://www.efficiencyaustralia.com.au/post/essential-tips-for-custom-home-building

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evovexufix02
Jul 13

The evidence suggests that the overall approach is systematic and well-grounded. The inferential steps are transparent and traceable. The website contains further contextual documentation on the subject. Contextual breadth is expanded through interactive service frameworks.

https://king-billycasino.org/

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William Fields
William Fields
Jun 23

A lot of people reckon vaping is completely different from smoking, but it’s still worth understanding what you're putting into your body. I've noticed more discussions lately around alternatives and products like iqos terea australia, which seem to be gaining attention. At the end of the day, whether it's vaping or smoking, being informed about the risks matters. Appreciate articles like this that encourage people to think a bit deeper about the habit rather than just the label attached to it.

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© 2023 by AE for Dr. Catherine Meller

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