Vaping related illness reported in Austin area hospital

AUSTIN, Texas - Baylor, Scott & White confirms there has been at least one case of a vaping related illness in the Austin area this month. “We've actually seen a vaping pneumonitis in the Baylor Scott & White system here in the Austin region,” said Dr. David Kaylor, emergency room doctor at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center- Pflugerville.

This comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigates six deaths and more than 450 cases of lung illness nationwide suspected to be caused by vaping. “You shouldn't do it. I mean, the bottom line is, you shouldn't do it and, even if you don't have the horrible effects of having one of these lung diseases, the long term effects we just don't know,” Kaylor said.

Even the president is speaking out on the issue, calling for a ban on flavored vaping products.

"We can't allow people to get sick, and we can't have our youth be so affected," President Donald Trump said Wednesday.

Gregory Conley, president of the American Vaping Association, released a statement in response to the president's comments that reads:

“Pretty much all of our sales are going to be flavored. I think I've only sold maybe one or two tobacco flavored products in the time that we've been open,” said Hailee Toulouse, manager at Smoke N Chill.

Toulouse said the majority of her customers started vaping believing it was a better option. “I'd say like 90 percent used to smoke cigarettes 10 percent just like the vape tricks,” said Toulouse.

A ban on flavored products could destroy the vaping industry altogether, according to Toulouse.

“I think a lot of vape stores are already in danger when they first open. I feel like a lot of them close really early on. Our store's done really well, we're really lucky, we have a wide variety, but stores who are specifically vape stores, I bet they're all going to go out of business,” Toulouse said.

The CDC said they haven't singled out a particular product, device or substance linked to all cases of vaping related lung illness. “It's best to just stay away,” said Kaylor.

Symptoms of vaping lung illness range from coughing, fever and chest pain to weakness and nausea.

Anyone experiencing those symptoms should seek medical attention.

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