Vaping-associated pulmonary injury: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 23:51, 9 February 2025

Lung injury associated with vaping

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.

Symptoms

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.

Causes

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

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.

Treatment

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

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

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

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

Gallery

Schematic of an electronic cigarette.
Microscopy of a bronchoalveolar lavage sample from a patient with VAPI.

References

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Vaping-associated pulmonary injury''' (VAPI) also known as '''E-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury''' (EVALI), is a lung disease associated with the use of [[vaping]] products that can be severe and life-threatening.
+{{Short description|Lung injury associated with vaping}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-== Causes ==
+'''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]].
-The exact cause of VAPI is not known, but the condition is associated with the use of e-cigarettes or vaping products. These products heat a liquid – called [[e-liquid]] or vape juice – that usually contains [[nicotine]], flavorings, and other chemicals. When the liquid is heated, it creates an aerosol or vapor that users inhale. Some vaping products also allow users to vape [[cannabis]] or other substances.
+==Symptoms==
+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]].
-== Symptoms ==
+==Causes==
+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.
-Symptoms of VAPI can vary but often include [[cough]], shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, or weight loss. Some patients have reported that their symptoms developed over a few days, while others have reported that their symptoms developed over several weeks.
+==Diagnosis==
+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.
-== Diagnosis ==
+[[File:E_cig_tomography_of_chests_mm6836e1-F1.gif|thumb|CT scan showing lung damage associated with vaping.]]
-Diagnosis of VAPI can be challenging because the symptoms can be similar to other respiratory illnesses. However, a diagnosis may be considered if a patient has a history of e-cigarette use or vaping within the past 90 days, and other potential causes of their symptoms have been ruled out.
+==Treatment==
+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.
-== Treatment ==
+==Prevention==
+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.
-Treatment for VAPI often involves supportive care, such as oxygen therapy, and may also include corticosteroids. In severe cases, patients may need to be hospitalized and may require mechanical ventilation.
+==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.
-== Prevention ==
+==Research==
+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.
-The best way to prevent VAPI is to avoid e-cigarettes or vaping products. In particular, people should not use vaping products that contain THC, especially those obtained off the street or from other informal sources like friends, family, or online dealers.
+==Related pages==
+* [[Electronic cigarette]]
+* [[Nicotine]]
+* [[Lung disease]]
-== See also ==
+==Gallery==
+<gallery>
+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>
-* [[Electronic cigarette]]
+==References==
-* [[Lung disease]]
+{{Reflist}}
-* [[Nicotine poisoning]]
-[[Category:Respiratory diseases]]
+[[Category:Pulmonary diseases]]
-[[Category:Electronic cigarettes]]
+[[Category:Vaping]]
-{{medicine-stub}}
+[[Category:2019 in health]]