The dangers of acute lung damage from e-cigarettes.

Despite being advertised as "less harmful" and safer than traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes and other new-generation tobacco products are actually misleading users. Numerous studies indicate that long-term use can have serious health consequences, particularly e-cigarette-associated lung injury syndrome (EVALI).

EVALI (E-Cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury) is a lung injury associated with the use of e-cigarettes or vaping products. The syndrome was first documented in the United States in 2019. As of February 18, 2020, the country had recorded over 2,800 cases, including 68 deaths; notably, the majority of cases involved young people, with 15% of hospitalized patients under the age of 18.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified EVALI as being closely related to the inhalation of toxic chemicals in e-cigarette liquids. In particular, Vitamin E acetate is considered a common agent, often mixed with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the hallucinogenic compound found in marijuana – in some products. When heated, this substance can produce toxic gases that adhere to the alveoli, hindering oxygen exchange and causing pneumonia. Additionally, e-cigarette aerosols contain heavy metals (nickel, lead, tin), formaldehyde (a carcinogen), and ultrafine particles that damage lung cells.

According to Dr. Tran Khac Toan, Specialist in Pulmonary Diseases, Ca Mau Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Hospital: "EVALI is a serious acute illness that can be life-threatening, with symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and rapid heartbeat."

EVALI can cause diffuse pneumonia, fluid accumulation in the lungs, and lead to acute respiratory failure. In severe cases, patients require respiratory support such as oxygen therapy, non-invasive mechanical ventilation, or endotracheal intubation.

The aftereffects of EVALI syndrome can be long-lasting and severely impact quality of life, including: permanent lung damage, chronic respiratory dysfunction, lung scarring (pulmonary fibrosis), and even an increased risk of developing other respiratory diseases.

Stopping the use of e-cigarettes is a crucial step in lung recovery. At the same time, people should maintain a healthy lifestyle such as exercising regularly, practicing breathing exercises, drinking enough water, especially warm water, using saunas , and avoiding exposure to polluted environments, smoke, dust, and toxic chemicals, advises Dr. Toan.

From 2025 onwards, regulations prohibiting e-cigarettes have been tightened. However, EVALI remains a warning about the potential risks from these modern products, which can easily lead to complacency. Therefore, the most effective way to prevent these risks is to avoid using them altogether, never even trying them, and to proactively seek medical attention if any unusual symptoms appear to protect your health.

Source: https://soyte.camau.gov.vn/bai-khoa-hoc-chinh-tri-va-xa-hoi/hiem-hoa-ton-thuong-phoi-cap-tu-thuoc-la-dien-tu-298021