Context. «EVALI» – A new dangerous disease, which is caused by vapes and electronic cigarettes, is distributed all over the world, in particular in the CIS countries. The study of the disease has slowed down due to its similarity to COVID-19, and its detection has stopped growing, which still does not reduce its danger to smokers.
What is EVALI?
EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury) is an acute lung injury associated with the use of electronic cigarettes and vapes. The disease first gained attention in 2019, when many cases of serious lung disease were reported in the United States in people using e-cigarettes and vapes. In August 2024, the Russian Ministry of Health announced that a new dangerous disease EVALI Now the youth is attacking.
Causes and risk factors
The main cause of EVALI is believed to be the use of illegal or low-quality vaping liquids, especially those containing vitamin E acetate. There is also a hypothesis that other chemicals used in vape liquids may be toxic to the lungs.
Symptoms of EVALI
The symptoms of EVALI are often similar to those of respiratory diseases such as COVID-19, which has made it difficult to diagnose, especially in the midst of a pandemic. The main symptoms include:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (digestive disorder)
A feature of EVALI is the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, which occur before or along with respiratory symptoms. This distinction helps doctors differentiate EVALI from other diseases such as COVID-19.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis of EVALI is difficult due to the similarity of symptoms with other diseases. Usually, the diagnosis is made based on the exclusion of other possible causes (including infections and chronic lung disease), as well as taking into account the history of vape or e-cigarette use.
Treatment with EVALI depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, it may be enough to stop using the vape and follow the doctor's recommendations. More severe cases require hospitalization and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the lungs.
Distribution and current status
Cases of EVALI have been reported in different countries around the world, including the CIS countries. However, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, attention to the disease has waned, which may have led to a decrease in the detection of new cases. However, EVALI remains a serious health threat, especially among young people and people who actively use vapes and e-cigarettes.
What is the prevention of EVALI?
The main way to prevent EVALI is to completely eliminate the use of vapes and e-cigarettes, especially those that contain unknown or questionable ingredients. Risk education and health promotion also play an important role in reducing the incidence of EVALI.
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