EVALI - Everything You Need to Know About E-Cigarette Lung Disease

Recently, millions of people around the world have become addicted to electronic cigarettes, considering them a safer alternative to regular cigarettes. But few people guessed what was behind this fashionable habit. And it became the cause of the emergence of a new dangerous lung disease - EVALI, whose symptoms are similar to coronavirus infection. And what is especially alarming is the fact that the disease often affects teenagers. This new epidemic literally blew up society and made us think about the real consequences of vaping.

EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping product use-Associated Lung Injury) is a serious lung injury associated with the use of electronic cigarettes and vapes. The disease was first recorded in the United States in 2019 and caused alarm in the medical community due to its danger and difficulty in diagnosis.

Although there is no official ICD-10 code for this disease in Russia yet, the number of registered cases is growing every month. EVALI symptoms can be confused with the common flu or cold, which only complicates diagnosis and treatment. Research into the disease has slowed down since the start of the coronavirus pandemic due to the similarity of symptoms, and detection rates have stopped growing.

According to the Ministry of Health, the symptoms of the disease are in many ways similar to COVID-19, the only difference being the disruption of the digestive system.

Patients with EVALI may experience the following symptoms:

Unlike coronavirus, one of the first symptoms of Evali is considered to be a disturbance of the human digestive system: diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain. At the same time, pathological changes occur in the smoker's lungs.

The above symptoms can appear suddenly, which makes the disease especially dangerous. They can progress quickly and require immediate medical attention.

When EVALI began spreading, doctors and scientists were faced with a huge mystery: How exactly were e-cigarettes and vapes causing such severe lung damage? Research has shown that a combination of chemicals in vaping liquids may be the culprit, especially vitamin E acetate, which is often added to THC cartridges. This sticky substance settles in the lungs, causing inflammation and interfering with normal breathing. Other dangerous components include cannabinoids, petroleum distillates, and limonene. When glycerin and propylene glycol are heated, formaldehyde is released, which increases the risk of cancer.

Diagnosing EVALI can be challenging, as the symptoms often resemble other respiratory illnesses. Treatment includes oxygen therapy, steroids, and other methods to reduce inflammation and support lung function. Early detection is important to prevent serious complications. To see what the lungs of vaping victims look like, check out these shocking X-rays of vapers’ lungs.

Although the exact cause of EVALI is not yet fully understood, there are several ways to minimize the risks:

EVALI is a reminder that the e-cigarette craze could be a health disaster. This disease is not just a threat – it is a warning for millions of people who are into vaping. What is especially alarming is the fact that teenagers can smoke without adults noticing, as manufacturers create vapes disguised as school supplies and toys. It is not worth risking your health for short-term pleasure. It is better to stop now, before it is too late.