TUESDAY, Sept. 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Americans should not use electronic cigarettes while health officials investigate cases of severe lung illness that may be linked to the devices, according to a statement issued by Patrice A. Harris, M.D., president of the American Medical Association.
“In light of increasing reports of e-cigarette-associated lung illnesses across the country, the AMA urges the public to avoid the use of e-cigarette products until health officials further investigate and understand the cause of these illnesses. The AMA recommends anyone who has recently used e-cigarette products to seek medical care promptly if they experience any adverse health effects, particularly coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain,” Harris said in the statement. “The AMA also calls on physicians to make sure their patients are aware of the dangers of e-cigarettes, including toxins and carcinogens, and swiftly report any suspected cases of lung illness associated with e-cigarette use to their state or local health department.”
On the heels of this statement comes the announcement of another vaping-related death. A severe lung illness linked with vaping has been confirmed as the cause of death of a person in Kansas, state officials said Tuesday, making it the sixth such death in the United States, NBC News reported.
“We urge the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to speed up the regulation of e-cigarettes and remove all unregulated products from the market,” Harris concluded. “We also call on the FDA to immediately ban flavors, as well as marketing practices, that enhance the appeal of e-cigarette products to youth.”
AMA Statement
NBC News Article
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