E-Cigarette or Vaping Product Use–Associated Lung Injury: A Case Study and Review of the Literature

Abstract

E-cigarette or vaping product use–associated lung injury (EVALI) has caused significant morbidity in the US population, including in many young patients. It is critical for all health-care providers to recognize symptoms and imaging findings associated with lung injury secondary to e-cigarette and vaping use. Nurses, both inpatient and outpatient, are in a unique position to be able to assess patients for vaping and e-cigarette use and educate patients on the dangers of continued use. Here, we describe the case of a 16-year-old male with a history of vaping presenting with clinical and radiographic features consistent with EVALI. We review the current literature on pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, and nursing implications of vaping-related lung disease.