FDA asks hospitals to report injuries, illnesses related to e-cigarette

MANILA, Philippines — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked hospitals under the Department of Health (DOH) to report relevant cases of injuries and illnesses related to e-cigarette and vaping.

The FDA issued the request following reports of illnesses and injuries attributed to electronic cigarettes in Europe and North America.

“The Food and Drug Administration [FDA] requests all DOH-retained hospitals to immediately communicate relevant case reports of injuries and illnesses documented arising from the use of these devices,” the FDA said in an advisory dated September 6.

“In compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012, it is expected that the information provided will be anonymized in as much as they are thorough and extensive,” it added.

According to an Associated Press report, health officials in the United States have urged the public to stop vaping amid reports of illnesses and injuries.

About 450 possible cases have been identified, which includes five deaths.

“Symptoms have included shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain and vomiting. Doctors say the illnesses resemble an inhalation injury, with the body apparently reacting to a caustic substance that someone breathed in,” the report states. /jpv

READ: Health Warning: 3rd E-Juice Vaping Death Us Official Report