Vaping Associated Lung Illness: A Case Series

Abstract

Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use, also known as vaping, has gained popularity among young adults. It has been promoted as a safer alternative to conventional cigarette smoking. Recent reports, however, have linked e-cigarette use to lung dysfunction. We report a series of four patients who were recently treated within our hospital system for vaping associated lung illness (VALI). All four were young, healthy individuals with no significant past medical histories. Lung biopsies were performed on three of these patients and the results are reviewed in the article. All patients were treated with high dose steroids once cultures were finalized and no infectious etiology was detected. Recovery of lung function was seen after treatment in all cases.