(WLWT) — Concerns are growing about the health effects connected to vaping and a Northern Kentucky man has stepped into the spotlight by discussing fears that vaping may have caused his own health struggles.
"I had no problems before in my life, nothing," said Michael Current of Burlington, Kentucky.
Current has been trying to solve a medical mystery. He spent 11 days in the hospital after he had a sharp pain and shortness of breath. Doctors found fluid around his collapsed right lung.
Current said that the inside of his lung resembled an orange peel.
"They had to, you know, get all that fluid out and I'm laying in bed for days getting this fluid drained," said Current.
Current told WLWT in Cincinnati that it was seven liters of fluid in all. He has been vaping for years, as an alternative to cigarettes, which he used to smoke.
But, he is concerned following the death of a patient in Illinois that is considered the first death linked to vaping.
And now, Cincinnati Children's Hospital confirmed that doctors have treated a patient who admitted to vaping and whose illness could not be linked to anything else.
Dr. D.P. Suresh with St. Elizabeth Healthcare told WLWT that vaping is at a level of epidemic proportions, especially with teens.
"It's a chemical irritant. None of our lunhgs are made the same way. For all you know, the kid may have asthma. Next thing you know, it's a new chemical and they get really sick. So, this may be the tip of the iceberg we are seeing," said Suresh.
Current told WLWT that he hopes that doctors and health officials will learn more. He is still recovering from his health scare.
"They said so far, so good. But, they're all scratching their heads, I said, 'How did this happen?' and they just don't, they don't know. I don't know," said Current.
