According to recent research into teen vaping lung injuries, teens with a history of asthma or ADHD may be more likely to suffer harmful side effects from e-cigarette use.

Teens with History of Asthma at Risk for EVALI

According to JAMA Pediatrics, several conditions may place teens who vape at higher risk of developing harmful health side effects. Researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analyzed data from 360 adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17 who were hospitalized for EVALI, or E-Cigarette or Vaping Use-Associated Lung Injury. The findings revealed in this analysis indicates that vaping lung injuries may be four times more common in teens who have a history of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Additionally, the researchers report that teens with asthma may be 50 percent more likely to develop EVALI from vaping. Teens may also be more likely to suffer from EVALI symptoms including gastrointestinal distress.

The findings indicate that teens and young adults may have different risk factors when it comes to vaping health risks than adults. In addition to known risks for teens who vape, including the risk of brain or cognitive deficits, and the risk of becoming addicted to nicotine, the recent research may indicate that pre-existing conditions may play a role in determining who is at higher risk of suffering health side effects from vaping.

These risk factors may also play a role when it comes to secondhand vape exposure. While many people who smoke e-cigarettes enjoy the large clouds of vapor that are emitted after inhalation, these vapor clouds may be harmful to the people who are exposed to them. According to another report from JAMA Pediatrics, approximately 4.9 percent of adults with children use e-cigarettes or vape pens. While many of these parents may believe that exposing their children to vaping is safer than the risk of secondhand cigarette smoke, this vapor may contain many harmful chemical compounds. Children with a history of asthma or other breathing conditions may be additionally affected by exposure to this vapor.

E-Cigarette and Vape Health Side Effects

While teens with a history of asthma or breathing problems may be additionally susceptible to vape-related lung injuries, e-cigarettes and vapes may be dangerous for anyone who uses them. Vape-related injuries may include EVALI, as well as other vaping lung conditions such as lung cancer. Heart problems may also occur after using vapes and e-cigarettes, as well as issues with cognitive functioning. In some cases, people who have used vapes have reported experiencing seizures. At least 127 cases of vape-related seizures have been reported to the FDA.

Nicotine addiction is a known risk of using e-cigarettes, as well as nicotine overdose. The smooth vapor makes it difficult to keep track of how much you have smoked, making it easier to overdose on nicotine when vaping.

Symptoms of vape-related lung injuries may include shortness of breath, chest pain or a tight feeling in the chest, irregular heart rate, cough, fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or gastrointestinal distress. If these symptoms are severe, they may indicate a serious health problem, and victims may wish to seek medical attention.

If you or your child has suffered from heart or lung injuries due to the use of vape pens or e-cigarettes, you may be able to pursue litigation against the manufacturers of these devices. Victims who speak to an experienced attorney about their legal options may be able to join or file a class action lawsuit regarding vaping injuries.