WATERTOWN, S.D. (KELO.com) — South Dakota Health officials have confirmed two cases in the state of illnesses related to e-cigarette use, otherwise known as “vaping”.
Dr. Svien Senne, a pulmonologist with Prairie Lakes Hospital in Watertown says that e-cigarette use is a whole new problem for physicians and the effects on the body are different than what is traditionally seen in cases of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
The harmful effects of vaping are such a new concern that there is limited research out there. However, Dr. Senne says it is being done and the results aren’t good.
Dr. Senne says that there are specific indicators to look for if you vape and it’s important that you stop and see your physician for care if you already use the device.
The South Dakota Department of Health sent a request to Prairie Lakes Hospital on August 23 asking for them to report illnesses associated with e-cigarette use. Jennifer Bender with Prairie Lakes Hospital could not confirm nor deny that there are currently cases associated with e-cigarette use being treated there.
Bender did, however, say that they are complying with the Health Department’s request to provide information to them as it becomes available.
(Troy VanDusen, KXLG, contributed this report.)
