LOCAL NEWS

U Of U Study Identifies Possible Breakthrough For Diagnosing Vaping Illnesses

Sep 10, 2019, 6:38 PM | Updated: Jul 16, 2023, 4:10 pm

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Doctors at the University of Utah said they have identified problems within the lungs of patients who have been vaping that were not previously seen.

Officials said the find could be a major breakthrough when it comes to figuring out vaping related illnesses.

According to the study, which was recently published in the New England Journal of Medicinedoctors found the presence of fat-laden cells in the lungs, which could be related to vaping.

The study said those cells in the lungs contained numerous oily droplets, called lipid-laden macrophages.

“We think there is a possibility of some sort of substance in the vaping fluid that is creating this intense inflammation,” said Dr. Sanjeez Raman. “This is considered to be a vaping-related acute lung illness.”

However, doctors said they have not been able to identify the substance that is causing the illnesses.

“We don’t know exactly what it is that is causing the vaping related injury,” said Dr. Cheryl Pirozzi, assistant professor of pulmonary medicine.

They also don’t know why suddenly there is a major crisis across the nation of vaping related illnesses when vaping has been around for years.

“I don’t think we know the answer to that,” said Pirozzi. “I don’t think we have been able to identify the one ingredient.”

Oak McEntire uses a vape pen and said it has helped him cut down on cigarette smoking. He said he used to smoke a pack of cigarettes daily and is now no longer smoking.

But he was the first to admit he doesn’t recommend it.

If you haven’t started don’t start it, McEntire said. It’s going to damage you.

Thats the message from the Utah Department of Health, which has seen 35 severe cases linked to vaping in the last month. Plus, officials said they are investigating another 12 possible cases that could be related to vaping.

“To have 35 people that we know of to have gotten really sick after vaping is serious to us,” said Keegan McCaffrey, an epidemiologist at the Utah Department of Health. “This is potentially deadly.”

Utah health officials said these cases stem from the use of a mix of nicotine and marijuana e-cigarette products. It has not found a specific product linked to all the cases.


MORE:

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Utah's Capitol building...

Mariah Maynes

Anglers coalition to host Utah fishing day at Capitol

Utah Anglers Coalition will host an event highlighting Utah fishing at the Capitol on Feb. 10.

4 hours ago

Staff at Dugway Proving Grounds find several hundred struggling and dead eared grebes on April 15, ...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

As many as 25,000 grebes killed by bird flu within Great Salt Lake, Utah officials say

Utah wildlife officials estimate 15,000 to 25,000 eared grebes have died in recent months from a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak across the Great Salt Lake, causing dead birds to pile up throughout the vital bird habitat.

8 hours ago

Salt Lake County Search and Rescue responds to an avalanche fatality in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Sa...

Becky Bruce

Avalanche danger to remain “considerable” across Utah, forecaster says

Forecasters expect "considerable" avalanche danger for at least a couple more days, after an active weekend for slides.

14 hours ago

Fresh snow in Franklin Basin on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. Search and rescue teams are searching for...

Kennedy Camarena

14-year-old snowmobiler found after overnight search

Search and rescue teams are searching for a young snowmobiler who went missing while with his family and friends.

16 hours ago

Respiratory illnesses such as the flu, COVID-19, and RSV are on the rise across the U.S....

Michelle Lee

Simple ways to keep respiratory illnesses away

Let’s Get Moving Host Maria Shilaos spoke with Nicole Henry with CVS to learn what we can do to protect ourselves from respiratory illnesses.

16 hours ago

Skiers compete at the Dear Valley World Cup....

Emma Benson

‘Super Bowl of freestyle’: World’s best skiers compete at Deer Valley World Cup

The Super Bowl may be tomorrow, but they call this the Super Bowl of freestyle skiing.

1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

U Of U Study Identifies Possible Breakthrough For Diagnosing Vaping Illnesses