EVALI: the new face of smoking-related interstitial lung disease among young adults

Abstract

Background. The use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices is the main cause of e-cigarette or vaping usage-associated lung damage (EVALI), an acute and possibly fatal pulmonary disease. With changing of smoking methods EVALI has recently become a serious public health concern, particularly among teenagers and young people. Objective(s). To examine the clinical features, diagnostic difficulties, and treatment approaches for EVALI, highlighting the significance of prompt identification and public health measures. Materials and methods. A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, CDC reports, and Elsevier databases. Keywords included “EVALI,” “vaping-related lung injury,” “e-cigarette-associated pneumonia,” and “vitamin E acetate lung damage.” Articles were selected based on clinical significance, epidemiologic value, and treatment insights. Results. Analysis of the literature highlights that EVALI predominantly affects males under 35 years of age, presenting with symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, chest pain, fever, and gastrointestinal complaints. Radiologically, bilateral ground-glass opacities are frequently observed and considered a typical finding. Vitamin E acetate has emerged as a key causative agent in most confirmed cases. Diagnostic challenges arise due to overlapping clinical and imaging features with infectious pneumonias. Management typically includes systemic corticosteroids, cessation of e-cigarette use, and supportive care based on the severity of the illness. Conclusion(s). Early recognition of EVALI is essential to prevent severe and potentially lifethreatening complications. Increased awareness among healthcare providers, combined with targeted public health strategies and stricter regulation of vaping products, is vital to combat this growing concern.