Health authorities report that patients hospitalized for e-cig health effects are still at risk of a relapse. Physicians have been warned to continue monitoring patients vigilantly after they have left their care, as a number of patients suffering from EVALI have relapsed and even diedafterward.

About EVALI

E-cigarette and Vaping Associated Lung Illness, or EVALI, is a serious lung disorder that medical scientists believe is caused by the numerous chemical substances used to manufacture “vape juice.” As of mid-December, there had been over 2,500 cases diagnosed nationwide, more than 50 of which resulting in death. Across the board, the majority of those suffering from serious e-cig health effects are under the age of 30, according to The New England Journal of Medicine.

Most cases have been associated with marijuana or THC vape, primarily of home-brewed or bootleg origin. This substance has been found to contain a substance known as Vitamin E acetate – a common and even beneficial dietary substance when ingested into the digestive tract. Heated and taken into the lungs however, Vitamin E acetate leaves a coating on the inner surfaces of the alveoli, or air sacs of the lungs, causing severe respiratory injury.

Nonetheless, the Centers for Disease Control issued a warning to consumers to avoid all forms of vape, including nicotine-based products. The reason is that nicotine vape contains numerous ingredients that may have dangerous e-cig health effects, particularly when heated. In fact, a number of EVALI cases appear to have been caused by nicotine vape.

The exact nature of EVALI is still unknown, although some doctors who have studied the disease have compared its effects to industrial injuries in which victims have been exposed to toxic chemical fumes (a condition known as chemical pneumonitis.

How Long Has This Been Going On?

Tracking EVALI cases started with the current outbreak beginning around June 2019, but studies dating back more than two years noted a gradual increase in emergency treatments by young people who vape, especially teenagers.

The current epidemic seems to have peaked this past September; however, new cases of EVALI continue to surface, with some 100 presenting between Dec. 10 and Dec. 17. According to the CDC, nearly 2 percent of EVALI patients were either readmitted to hospitals or died within 3 to 4 days. It has been noted that patients who were readmitted to the hospital tended to suffer from co-morbidities such as diabetes, heart disease, and other respiratory conditions. Those who died after being treated were older, over the age of 50.

Actions by Federal Agencies

While the authority of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently limited due to a lack of regulation over the vape industry, the agency has announced that it has been working with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to shut down websites marketing illegal bootleg cannabis vape products. There have also been investigations into the supply chain of products that have resulted in serious e-cig health effects.