In a report released by the Texas Department of State Health Services on Tuesday, the number of individuals who have suffered from vape-related lung disease in South Texas (which includes Laredo, Corpus Christi, and the Rio Grande Valley) has jumped from 6 to 16, an increase of 166%. The Rio Grande Valley accounts for 7 of the 16 illnesses in the region. Overall throughout the state, the number has increased from 54 to 75.

KRGV’s John Paul Barajas, the first to report on this devastating trend, also reported on Mission resident J.D. Hernandez, who is currently battling severe lung disease in an Arlington Hospital. Hernandez, like the over 805 confirmed cases nationally, is a victim of e-cigarette usage and was in a medically induced coma for 46 days before regaining consciousness. His family states that he is currently regaining his ability to walk.

The Vaping Epidemic: E-Cigarette Vaping Is Injuring Teens And Young Adults

A deeper dive into the most recent severe lung disease report released the Texas DSHS reveals the following disturbing trends:

• 31% of confirmed or probable cases are under 20 years of age.
• Lung disease cases have been reported in teens as young as 13 years old and have a median age of 22 years.
• 76% of affected individuals are male.
• In Texas, over 330,000 middle and high school students reported current e-cigarette use, which is approximately 13% of all students.
• E-cigarette use was three times as prevalent among high school students (18.9%) as middle school students (6%).

Unfortunately, these numbers are not surprising given the amount of advertising that companies like JUUL had poured into social media to attract young teens to their products. JUUL has since seized their youth marketing and, now that public outcry is at a fever pitch, has pledged to end their marketing efforts altogether.

However, although these acts may seem commendable, it’s very clearly a case of “too little, too late,” as JUUL has already set off a firestorm that they can no longer walk back and the damage, as we can see through these horrifying numbers, has already been done.

What Are The Symptoms of Lung Disease Injury In E-Cigarette Usage?

Common symptoms for lung disease and injury from e-cigarette usage include but are not limited to:

• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Many individuals injured from e-cigarette usage have required treatment with supplemental oxygen, high intensive care, and respiratory support. Hospitals have also reported that patients have also required intubation and/or placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms due to vaping an E-cigarette such as JUUL, it is imperative that you seek medical attention immediately.

How Else Can Someone Be Harmed From Vaping E-Cigarettes Like JUUL?

Lung disease is not the only serious risk when vaping e-cigarettes. Medical studies and reports have shown that e-cigarette usage can lead to a number of severe issues such as:

• Severe nicotine addiction from free-base nicotine inhalation.
• Permanent brain effects such as adolescent neuroplasticity, depression, behavioral issues, and seizures and thoughts of suicide.
• Coronary issues such as diseased arteries, stroke, and heart attack.
• Dental issues such as severe tooth decay and tooth loss.

Call The JUUL Lawsuit Lawyers At Moore Law Firm Today

If you or your child has been injured or become addicted to using JUUL e-cigarettes, call the JUUL vaping lawsuit lawyers at Moore Law Firm today for your FREE and fast consultation!