HJNO Nov/Dec 2019

Healthcare Journal of NEW ORLEANS  I  NOV / DEC 2019 45 tobacco products. Most importantly, it is time to reverse this epidemic by educating the medical community and our patients and their families on the adverse effect these vaping tools can have on the future of our country. n Dr. Leah A. Douglas joined the Children’s Hos- pital New Orleans pediatric primary care team in July of 2019. Dr. Douglas earned a medical degree from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in Mobile, Alabama. She went on to complete an internship and resi- dency in pediatrics at LSU Health New Orle- ans and Children’s Hospital New Orleans. Dr. Douglas has over seven years’ experience in pediatric emergency medicine and pediatric primary care. She has lived in New Orleans for the past ten years, and has practiced prima- ry care for the past five years. Dr. Douglas is board certified by the American Academy of Pediatrics and is a member of the American Medical Association. Her clinical interests in- clude preventative medicine and promoting vaccine safety and efficacy. Leah A. Douglas, MD Pediatrician Children’s Hospital New Orleans e-cigarettes have also been associated with injuries from explosions and burns. There are more than 7,000 flavors of vaping fluid available to e-cigarette users. The variety of flavors and colors makes this substance especially attractive to young people. As little as half of a teaspoon of vaping liquid can be lethal if ingested by a young child. The liquid can also cause nicotine poisoning if absorbed through the skin. According to the CDC, there have been 805 cases of lung injury and 12 deaths due to vaping thus far in 2019. If you are con- cerned that your child may be using e-cig- arettes, be on the lookout for symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diar- rhea, fever, and abdominal pain. If any of these symptoms occur, you should contact your child’s health care provider or call your local poison control center at 1-800- 222-1222. It is also important to note that there is currently a lack of observational stud- ies on the long-term effects of e-cigarette use. Therefore, many of the harmful health effects of vaping on the body are still un- known. Starting the Conversation As healthcare providers, it is our obliga- tion to start the conversation about vaping with our patients and their families. Given the recent increase in the number of lung injuries associated with the recreational use of e-cigarettes, it is important that we learn about the long-term effects of vap- ing. It is time to go tobacco-free. It is time to get involved in the campaign against “According to the CDC, there have been 805 cases of lung injury and 12 deaths due to vaping thus far in 2019.”