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}} | ||
'''Vaping-associated pulmonary injury''' (VAPI) is a condition characterized by lung damage | == 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.]] | |||
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: | |||
* [[Oxygen therapy]] | |||
* [[Mechanical ventilation]] in severe cases | |||
* [[Corticosteroids]] to reduce inflammation | |||
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== | == 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== | == Related pages == | ||
* [[Electronic cigarette]] | * [[Electronic cigarette]] | ||
* [[Lung disease]] | * [[Lung disease]] | ||
* [[Public health]] | |||
== | == External links == | ||
* [https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html CDC Information on Vaping-Associated Lung Injury] | |||
[[Category:Pulmonary diseases]] | [[Category:Pulmonary diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Vaping]] | [[Category:Vaping]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Public health]] | ||
Revision as of 18:44, 23 March 2025
Lung injury associated with vaping
Vaping-associated pulmonary injury

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:
- 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

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:
- Oxygen therapy
- Mechanical ventilation in severe cases
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
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.