Channel: Lee Health

Category: Education

Tags: not oxygenatingco2inflammatory responsecigarette replacementnurse practitionerevaligas exchangereduce the inflammationvapor additivescorticosteroidsthe dangers of vapingsmokinglungssupplemental oxygenchemicalsoxygennicotinedouble lung transplanthypoxicvaporquit smokinge-cigarettesdelicate tissuesupportive carerespiratory failurevapingnicotine patches

Description: Over the last few years vaping has exploded in popularity nationwide. While it was once looked at as a safer alternative to smoking, “This isn’t as good as you all think it is,” said Lee Health Nurse Practitioner Arnold Facklam. Facklam said the problem isn’t necessarily the vapor, but the chemicals in the product. “The delicate tissue of the lungs was not made for this kind of chemical to go in there that we just give it pass to.” The additives that add flavor or thicken it up can cause an inflammatory response called EVALI. “The gas exchange in your lungs is affected and now you’re not oxygenating and ventilating like you should be going out working meaning the oxygen going in and CO2 going out aren’t working in conjunction with one another,” said Facklam. This can cause respiratory failure and even be deadly. This is increasingly common in young people. “The first double lung transplant related to this was a teenager,” said Facklam. Facklam said recovery is possible, but quitting any kind of smoking or vaping is imperative. “You would use some corticosteroids to help reduce the inflammation and then supportive care. If they become hypoxic because of this, they may need supplemental oxygen to go about their day.” If you’re already addicted to nicotine, Facklam recommends nicotine patches over e-cigarettes. Talk to your primary care or family physician about options. View More Health Matters video segments at LeeHealth.org/Healthmatters Lee Health in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of health care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For more than 100 years, we’ve been providing our community with personalized preventative health services and primary care to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries. Lee Health - Caring People. Inspiring Care. Visit LeeHealth.org