Vaping-associated pulmonary injury: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Lung injury associated with vaping}}
{{Short description|Lung injury associated with vaping}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}


'''Vaping-associated pulmonary injury''' (VAPI) is a condition characterized by lung damage linked to the use of [[electronic cigarettes]] or [[vaping]] products. The condition gained widespread attention in 2019 when a significant number of cases were reported in the [[United States]].
== Vaping-associated pulmonary injury ==
 
[[File:E_cig_tomography_of_chests_mm6836e1-F1.gif|thumb|CT scan showing lung damage associated with vaping.]]
 
'''Vaping-associated pulmonary injury''' (VAPI), also known as '''e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury''' (EVALI), is a serious medical condition characterized by lung damage resulting from the use of [[electronic cigarettes]] or other vaping devices. This condition emerged as a public health concern in the late 2010s, with numerous cases reported across the United States and other countries.
 
== Symptoms ==
 
Individuals with VAPI typically present with a range of respiratory and systemic symptoms. Common respiratory symptoms include:
* [[Cough]]
* [[Shortness of breath]]
* [[Chest pain]]
 
Systemic symptoms may include:
* [[Fever]]
* [[Fatigue]]
* [[Nausea]]
* [[Vomiting]]
* [[Diarrhea]]
 
These symptoms can vary in severity and may lead to hospitalization in severe cases.
 
== Causes ==
 
The exact cause of VAPI is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the inhalation of harmful substances present in vaping products. Potential culprits include:
* [[Vitamin E acetate]], a thickening agent found in some THC-containing products
* Various [[flavoring agents]]
* Other [[chemical additives]]
 
The role of these substances in causing lung injury is an area of ongoing research.
 
== Diagnosis ==
 
[[File:Microscopy_of_a_bronchoalveolar_lavage_sample.jpg|thumb|Microscopy of a bronchoalveolar lavage sample from a patient with VAPI.]]


==Symptoms==
Diagnosing VAPI involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and laboratory tests. Key diagnostic steps include:
Individuals with vaping-associated pulmonary injury typically present with a range of respiratory and systemic symptoms. Common respiratory symptoms include [[cough]], [[shortness of breath]], and [[chest pain]]. Systemic symptoms may include [[fever]], [[fatigue]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], and [[diarrhea]].
* Detailed patient history, focusing on recent use of vaping products
* [[Chest X-ray]] or [[CT scan]] to assess lung damage
* [[Bronchoscopy]] with bronchoalveolar lavage to obtain samples for analysis


==Causes==
== Treatment ==
The exact cause of VAPI is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the inhalation of certain substances found in vaping products. [[Vitamin E acetate]], a thickening agent used in some [[THC]]-containing e-liquids, has been identified as a potential contributing factor. Other possible causes include [[nicotine]], [[flavoring agents]], and other additives.


==Diagnosis==
Treatment of VAPI primarily involves supportive care, which may include:
Diagnosis of vaping-associated pulmonary injury is primarily clinical, based on the patient's history of vaping and the exclusion of other potential causes of lung injury. Imaging studies, such as [[chest X-rays]] and [[CT scans]], are often used to assess lung damage.
* [[Oxygen therapy]]
* [[Mechanical ventilation]] in severe cases
* [[Corticosteroids]] to reduce inflammation


[[File:E_cig_tomography_of_chests_mm6836e1-F1.gif|thumb|CT scan showing lung damage associated with vaping.]]
Patients are advised to discontinue the use of vaping products immediately.


==Treatment==
== Prevention ==
Treatment for VAPI typically involves supportive care, including [[oxygen therapy]] and [[mechanical ventilation]] in severe cases. [[Corticosteroids]] may be administered to reduce inflammation. Patients are advised to discontinue the use of vaping products.


==Prevention==
Preventing VAPI involves avoiding the use of vaping products, particularly those containing THC or other unregulated substances. Public health campaigns aim to raise awareness about the risks associated with vaping.
Preventive measures include avoiding the use of e-cigarettes and vaping products, particularly those containing THC or obtained from informal sources. Public health campaigns have been launched to raise awareness about the risks associated with vaping.


==Epidemiology==
== Epidemiology ==
The outbreak of vaping-associated pulmonary injury in 2019 primarily affected young adults and adolescents in the United States. As of early 2020, over 2,800 cases and 68 deaths had been reported. The [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]] (CDC) and other health organizations continue to monitor the situation.


==Research==
The outbreak of VAPI cases in 2019 highlighted the widespread use of vaping products among young adults and adolescents. The condition has been reported predominantly in the United States, with cases also emerging in other countries.
Ongoing research aims to better understand the pathophysiology of VAPI and identify specific causative agents. Studies are also exploring the long-term health effects of vaping.


==Related pages==
== Related pages ==
* [[Electronic cigarette]]
* [[Electronic cigarette]]
* [[Nicotine]]
* [[Lung disease]]
* [[Lung disease]]
* [[Public health]]


==Gallery==
== External links ==
<gallery>
* [https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html CDC Information on Vaping-Associated Lung Injury]
File:E-cig-schematic.png|Schematic of an electronic cigarette.
File:Microscopy_of_a_bronchoalveolar_lavage_sample.jpg|Microscopy of a bronchoalveolar lavage sample from a patient with VAPI.
</gallery>
 
==References==
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:Pulmonary diseases]]
[[Category:Pulmonary diseases]]
[[Category:Vaping]]
[[Category:Vaping]]
[[Category:2019 in health]]
[[Category:Public health]]
== Vaping-associated pulmonary injury ==
<gallery>
File:E_cig_tomography_of_chests_mm6836e1-F1.gif|Tomography of chests showing vaping-associated pulmonary injury
File:E-cig-schematic.png|Schematic of an electronic cigarette
File:Microscopy_of_a_bronchoalveolar_lavage_sample.jpg|Microscopy of a bronchoalveolar lavage sample
</gallery>

Revision as of 18:44, 23 March 2025

Lung injury associated with vaping


Vaping-associated pulmonary injury

CT scan showing lung damage associated with vaping.

Vaping-associated pulmonary injury (VAPI), also known as e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI), is a serious medical condition characterized by lung damage resulting from the use of electronic cigarettes or other vaping devices. This condition emerged as a public health concern in the late 2010s, with numerous cases reported across the United States and other countries.

Symptoms

Individuals with VAPI typically present with a range of respiratory and systemic symptoms. Common respiratory symptoms include:

Systemic symptoms may include:

These symptoms can vary in severity and may lead to hospitalization in severe cases.

Causes

The exact cause of VAPI is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the inhalation of harmful substances present in vaping products. Potential culprits include:

The role of these substances in causing lung injury is an area of ongoing research.

Diagnosis

Microscopy of a bronchoalveolar lavage sample from a patient with VAPI.

Diagnosing VAPI involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and laboratory tests. Key diagnostic steps include:

  • Detailed patient history, focusing on recent use of vaping products
  • Chest X-ray or CT scan to assess lung damage
  • Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage to obtain samples for analysis

Treatment

Treatment of VAPI primarily involves supportive care, which may include:

Patients are advised to discontinue the use of vaping products immediately.

Prevention

Preventing VAPI involves avoiding the use of vaping products, particularly those containing THC or other unregulated substances. Public health campaigns aim to raise awareness about the risks associated with vaping.

Epidemiology

The outbreak of VAPI cases in 2019 highlighted the widespread use of vaping products among young adults and adolescents. The condition has been reported predominantly in the United States, with cases also emerging in other countries.

Related pages

External links