E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI): A Significant Health Crisis in the Digital World

E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) is a severe respiratory illness with acute or subacute presentation, often posing a diagnostic challenge due to its clinical overlap with other pulmonary conditions. First identified in the United States in mid-2019, it emerged as a significant public health concern, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Substances such as Vitamin E acetate and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are strongly implicated in its pathogenesis. The continuously evolving landscape of vaping products, coupled with limited information regarding the long-term prognosis and outcomes of the condition, complicates efforts to mitigate associated health risks. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of EVALI, focusing on its epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and management strategies.

Keywords: E-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury, e-cigarettes, vaping