What is EVALI?

In late 2019, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the name of a new illness. That illness is known as e-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury or EVALI.

What We Know About EVALI So Far

The CDC and others are still learning about EVALI. However, we currently know that:

• EVALI is an acute condition that can quickly cause death. This is different from lung illnesses, such as COPD and lung cancer, that develop from traditional cigarettes and other tobacco products.
• EVALI symptoms are similar to flu and pneumonia symptoms. Symptoms may include fever, chills, coughing, chest pain, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.
• EVALI requires a doctor’s diagnosis. Currently, there is no test for EVALI. Instead, a doctor will ask if the patient has used vaping products and rule out other medical conditions.
• EVALI treatment often requires hospitalization. Right now, there is no cure for EVALI. Some patients are treated with corticosteroids, and some require ventilators to breathe. The CDC recommends that patients be stable for 24 to 48 hours before hospital discharge.

Does Your Child Have EVALI?

An EVALI diagnosis can be terrifying. So far, EVALI has not been linked to any one vaping product or company.

Vaping, however, has caused injury among children, teens, and young adults throughout the country. If your child used JUULpods and suffers from a lung injury or addiction, then your child may have the right to make a legal recovery.

Several states, including Illinois, and many school districts around the country are suing JUUL for misleading advertising, marketing to children, and the costs of youth addiction. These lawsuits are important, but they will not result in financial damages for your child. Instead, you need to act now to protect your child’s rights by contacting an Illinois JUUL injury lawyer who will fight hard for your child’s legal recovery.

To learn more about how we may be able to help you protect your child’s future, please contact us at any time to schedule a free and confidential consultation.