Vaping-associated Lung Injury: A Case Report and Literature Review

Division

North Florida

Hospital

Ocala Regional Medical Center

Document Type

Case Report

Publication Date

9-1-2021

Keywords

vaping associated lung injury, COVID-19, Respiratory failure, Vape products, E-cigarettes, Shortness of breath, Mechanical ventilation

Disciplines

Internal Medicine | Respiratory Tract Diseases

Abstract

Usage of vaping and electronic cigarettes products is a growing trend among young adults, with rising rates worldwide. Such products are gaining popularity for many reasons including an alternative to smoking cigarettes, trying something new, or as a means to relax. While users may feel that these products are less harmful or a safer substitute to smoking traditional products, the side effect profile of vape inhalation has the potential for profound injury to the lung tissue and significant respiratory failure. We would like to present a case in which a young male who was evaluated at our Emergency department for acute onset respiratory failure subsequently requiring invasive mechanical ventilation in the setting of vaping associated lung injury (VALI). In the case report, we will highlight the patient’s clinical course as well as a summary of the current evidence surrounding evaluation, diagnosis and management of this emerging pathology. We want to emphasize the importance of a detailed history which should include the use of vaping products when a young patient presents with acute respiratory failure, allowing VALI to be in the differential diagnosis. Additionally, we want to compare the clinical presentation of VALI to that of COVID-19 pneumonia as they both have many similar attributes including symptoms and findings on lung imaging studies.

Publisher or Conference

Journal of Lung Health and Diseases

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