Vaping Pneumonia Injuries

Persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and other symptoms are alarming. If you or your child develop any of these symptoms after vaping, then these or other symptoms could be signs of pneumonia.

Different Types of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the air sacs in one or both of your lungs. However, not all types of pneumonia are the same. Different types of pneumonia have different causes, treatments, and effects on your body.

E-cigarettes, including JUUL products, have been linked to several forms of pneumonia, including:

Lipoid Pneumonia

Vaping cartridges, such as JUULpods, contain oils that become vapors when heated. The vapors can contain small aerosolized lipid droplets that can be inhaled into the lungs. If you inhale enough of the lipid droplets, then the lungs may become damaged and lipoid pneumonia may occur.

Lipoid pneumonia symptoms are similar to symptoms of bacterial pneumonia that occurs after the flu or other respiratory illness. Symptoms may include:

  • Coughing
  • Coughing up blood
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Fever
  • Weight loss
  • Night sweats
  • Trouble swallowing

While the symptoms of lipoid pneumonia are similar to other types of pneumonia, the treatment is different. Antibiotics, for example, do not treat lipoid pneumonia. Medical treatments for lipoid pneumonia include:

  • Steroids
  • Washing the lungs with saline
  • Oxygen support
  • Ventilator support

Even with treatment, lipoid pneumonia can result in permanent decreased lung capacity or death.

Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia (COP) or Bronchiolitis Obliterans Organizing Pneumonia (BOOP)

This type of pneumonia impacts the small air passages of the lungs (bronchioles) and the air sacs along those passages. If the underlying cause of bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia is unknown, then it is known as cryptogenic organizing pneumonia. There has been at least one case report of an individual with no known risk factors developing BOOP after using e-cigarettes for seven months.

BOOP symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dry cough
  • Flu-like symptoms

Corticosteroids are the most common treatment for this type of pneumonia. Other medications or even a lung transplant may be required for some patients.

Eosinophilic Pneumonia

Acute eosinophilic pneumonia is a rare type of pneumonia. Case reports suggest a possible link between eosinophilic pneumonia and vaping. This type of pneumonia occurs when there is a rapid increase of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in the lungs.

Symptoms of eosinophilic pneumonia include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Respiratory failure
  • Cough
  • Chest pain
  • Fatigue
  • Night sweats
  • Fever
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Abdominal pain

Treatment often includes corticosteroids. This type of pneumonia progresses rapidly and some patients may require hospitalization for respiratory support.

Necrotizing Pneumonia

Necrotizing pneumonia is a relatively rare pneumonia complication that destroys lung tissue. Currently, there has been a report of necrotizing pneumonia in a 15-year-old girl who regularly used e-cigarettes. However, the possible connection between necrotizing pneumonia and vaping is still being investigated.

Vaping Lawsuits

Pneumonia is just one potential consequence of vaping that you didn't anticipate. Other potential injuries include COPD, popcorn lung, other lung injuries, and addiction.

Whether you or your child have pneumonia or another vaping-related condition, you may suffer significant physical and financial consequences.

JUUL Labs began marketing e-cigarettes in 2015. From 2015-2018, JUUL Labs allegedly marketed its products to teens, and its efforts were successful. There has been a significant increase in vaping among middle and high school students since 2015. Despite JUUL Labs safety claims, there has also been a significant increase in vaping-related illnesses.

Our experienced Iowa JUUL injury lawyers are committed to helping anyone who has been hurt by JUUL's deceptive marketing recover damages for their injuries. Damages may include, but aren't always limited to past and future:

  • Medical costs including hospitalizations, medications, doctors' visits, respiratory therapy, and other healthcare needs
  • Lost income if you, or your teen, is unable to work for any amount of time
  • Out-of-pocket costs, including costs incurred to make up any missed education
  • Physical pain and emotional suffering

Of course, some people who vape also develop pneumonia for reasons other than vaping. If your pneumonia was caused by something else, then JUUL is not legally responsible for your damages. However, if your pneumonia is related to JUULing, then you may have a lawsuit against JUUL Labs.

Begin protecting your rights today by contacting Hupy and Abraham for a free, no-obligation consultation. We welcome your call or online contact at any time.

Jason F. Abraham
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Helping car accident and personal injury victims throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa since 1993.