Abstract
BackgroundElectronic cigarettes/e-cigarettes (ECs), or vaping, is currently the most popular form of smoking amongst youth in the United States. ECs are battery-powered devices that vaporize a liquid that comes in small cartridges, or pods, that contain various chemicals, nicotine, and an array of flavors that can be modified to include cannabinoids (THC). With increasing popularity, however, there is an epidemic of pulmonary and gastrointestinal illnesses associated with vaping in the continental U.S.A.MethodsWe analyzed medical charts of three patients who were active users of ECs and presented with pneumonitis to our community medical center between January and August 2019.ResultsWe report three cases of vaping pneumonitis in young adults, ages 18 to 21, who presented with similar symptoms, profiles, imaging studies, and disease progression. The average length of stay was approximately one week, and all patients had an extensive work-up in addition to a relapsing and remitting course of their condition.ConclusionsEarly recognition and diagnosis of vaping pneumonitis are essential in the treatment of the ongoing epidemic. Extensive unnecessary work up may lead to increased healthcare costs. Our case series echoes the concerns of the CDC such that ECs should be avoided, and those with any pulmonary or gastrointestinal symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.
Highlights
Electronic cigarettes/e-cigarettes (ECs), or vaping, is currently the most popular form of smoking amongst youth in the United States
There is a concern that Electronic Cigarettes (EC) could increase worldwide nicotine dependence, especially among young adults who are enticed by the many flavors ECs offer [6]
We present three cases of pneumonitis seen at our small community hospital that further supports the harmful effects of ECs
Summary
Electronic cigarettes/e-cigarettes (ECs), or vaping, is currently the most popular form of smoking amongst youth in the United States. There is an epidemic of pulmonary and gastrointestinal illnesses associated with vaping in the continental U.S.A. The prevalence of ECs, or vaping, is increasing worldwide. Vaping companies promote consumer attestations that ECs helped them quit smoking and improved their overall health [3]. These proclamations are controversial as there is sparse literature to show that EC users were more likely to quit smoking than regular cigarette users [4, 5]. There is a concern that ECs could increase worldwide nicotine dependence, especially among young adults who are enticed by the many flavors ECs offer [6]. The medical community is apprehensive of vaping and advises caution since limited scientific evidence is available to show
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