NPR

As Vaping Illnesses Rise, Doctors Warn Of Possible 'Irreversible Damage' To Lungs

With more than 500 cases of acute vaping illness reported, doctors worry about the long-term effects on patients' lungs. And federal agencies still don't know what's behind the outbreak.
Patients hospitalized with vaping-related illness often have severe pneumonia, and this kind of inflammation can create long-term damage, doctors say.

Nationwide, people who vape continue to sicken with severe and unexplained lung illness, leaving doctors and patients concerned about both the acute and long-term effects of the injuries.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Thursday that there are now 530 confirmed or probable cases of lung injury associated with vaping, a jump from 380 cases reported last week. Seven people have died.

"We at CDC are very concerned about the occurrence of life-threatening illness in, the CDC's principle deputy director, during a call with reporters.

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