Pulmonary News flies and Halloween Greetings are flying to you from FLASS and the Center for Disease Control in this blog. As you know we have been reporting on the lung injuries associated with vaping over the last few blogs. Sad to say, the cases have multiplied. So, as of October 17, 2019, we have 1479 patients nationwide. The patients are designated with a mysterious pulmonary injury. It was first thought to be an infection. We recently reported on the symptoms, which are easily confused with other pulmonary problems.
Pulmonary News and the Vaping Injury Epidemic
For Safety, Avoid Vaping. And Especially Avoid THC Vaping Additives and Street Purchases.
So let’s total up the known facts about this rising health concern. First, we note that 49 states, the District of Columbia and a U.S. territory have all reported lung injuries. And they seem to be obviously connected to vaping products and habits.
Pulmonary News Updates: Statistics on Vaping and Lung Injury
The CDC has now confirmed Thirty-three deaths, certifying they have occurred in 24 states. All the patients reported a history of using e-cigarettes or vaping products. The FDA confirmed the presence of THC in samples that were tested.
Additionally, we have testimony from most patients that they used some type of THC-containing products. As previously reported, both at the national and state investigations revealed street-sourced THC was linked to most cases. These illicit or gray market products appear to have played a major role in the outbreak of injured lungs.
News Alerts With Obvious Answers in the Pulmonary News Updates
Thus, FLASS recommends that you should completely avoid using e-cigarettes or vaping products with THC. We emphasize avoid until this lung injury crisis is resolved. We are aware that specific brands and causes of lung injuries have not yet been announced. However, we recommend safety first. Why should you risk your health?
- In fact, we advise you to consider refraining from all e-cigarette or vaping, products. We repeat. Refrain from vaping at least until the CDC clears them.
- We feel we must condemn e-cigarettes, or vaping products, especially for youthful users.
- Additionally, we feel obligated to remind you that nicotine is a highly addictive substance.
- Likewise, studies have shown vaping to do harm to adolescent brains with a danger period extending from their teen years to their mid-20’s.
- If you are using vaping, products to quit smoking, do not return to smoking cigarettes. Adults addicted to nicotine and using e-cigarettes should weigh all risks and benefits. At FLASS we want our patients to re-consider vaping in favor of utilizing FDA-approved therapies. Again we asked you carefully monitor yourself for symptoms. And certainly, see a healthcare provider immediately if you develop symptoms like those reported in this outbreak.
More Pulmonary News Updates: Have You Observed Strange Events or Beings Skulking About?
Even Lizards and Dragons Can Suffer From Flu. Have You Had Your Flu Shot Yet?
Monsters have been seen creeping through the alleys. They have been observed slithering up through city drains. Pumpkin vines are growing in phenomenal growth spurts. There are reports of tiny Vampires and Werewolves attacking innocent adult victims.
And here at FLASS, we are sure there is a human-sized giant lizard. He appears to have the flu and is sitting in our waiting room. (Pulmonary News Update: By the way, have you had your flu shot?)
Of course, all these unique creatures are not so unusual, given the time of year. It’s almost time for Halloween. Are you ready? Remember, this time of year is fun for many people of all ages, but it represents a dangerous time for allergy and asthma triggers.
Annual Pulmonary News Update: Halloween and Respiratory Disease
And although we present some well-researched resources, this blog also speaks from experience. You see, as we have previously stated, this blogger has carried epinephrine in her treat-bag many times.
Yes, while my little friends feared the Zombie Apocalypse, I was terrified of running through leaves and stirring up the specter of leaf-mold. Luckily my mom was a nurse, and she knew what to pack for my Halloween Adventure.
Read on for our Halloween Pack and Asthma Trigger Alert.
The Frightening Triggers of Halloween Asthma
Take heed from these asthma trigger alerts. They were first published in 2017, but very appropriate to today. As we have stated, some of these triggers linger long after the Holiday and become part of the fall season. Others begin weeks before the Great Pumpkin appears. However, the big Trick-or-Treat night brings a whole arena of specialized triggers.
I always thought home-made costumes looked better than the store-bought stuff. However, even that trend brought out triggers that made me short of breath. For example, last year’s princess outfit became this year’s gypsy dress. The dust mites, mold, moth-balls, and other allergens made me short of breath.
- Did you know “Even new costumes can carry dust mites? So make sure to wash them before wearing.”
- Beware: Latex, nickel, dye and many other allergens can come with that new Halloween mask or costume. I never had a mask because latex was never my friend. And it still isn’t. “Many Halloween masks contain latex. So it’s best to check with the manufacturer before putting it on your child.” This advice comes from the parenting magazine, S.I. Parent. And the writer wisely adds, “If you are hosting or attending a party, beware of latex balloons. Mylar is a safer bet. Be sure to carry epinephrine injectors, just in case.”
3. Face paint, hairspray, cosmetics, dangerous costume contact lenses, and prosthetic glue are always possible asthma triggers.
However, they become more popular at Halloween. And don’t forget. They can trigger that familiar wheezing and chest pain, signaling an asthma attack.
Halloween or Any Time: The Emergency Asthma Attack Pack
Cute Little Monsters Can Show Up At Your Door.
But Watch Out For Allergens That May Be In Treats.
- In an Asthma and Allergy attack pack, I carried my rescue inhaler. Also in my pack was Epinephrine Auto-injector, Benadryl and my emergency care plan.
(Experts agree: “Plan ahead and communicate with others.” Thus, you can “prevent, recognize and treat a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.” (anna-fih-LACK-sis). When I was a child, on my Halloween excursions, there was always was an adult who understood how to treat anaphylactic shock.
2. Additionally, I carried a small washcloth in a plastic bag. Water and my personal brand of hypoallergenic soap saturated the cloth. (This sounds complex. But, it came in handy the year I got my hands into the wrong kind of monster make-up. Today, we have hypo-allergenic hand wipes.)
3. I also packed my own brand of treats, honey graham crackers. That was just in case everyone else’s treats had peanuts in them.
Terrific Take-Aways from our Pulmonary News Updates
We’ll bring you more pulmonary news alerts next week in honor of Halloween parties. These bring a new slate of triggers to the table for people with pulmonary disease. Until then, FLASS hopes you enjoy the new fall season. But take the Pulmonary News Updates Seriously: Avoid vaping. Get your flu shot.
And watch out for those giant lizards!