Recommendations for Managing Vaping-Associated Lung Injury

CDC's interim guidance highlights that patients may present with both respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms.

The CDC has updated its interim guidance for the evaluation and management of patients with suspected e-cigarette, or vaping-associated, lung injury (EVALI), based on the 1299 cases reported as of October 8. The chemical(s) responsible for the lung injury have not yet been identified (THC-containing products appear to be strongly associated) and no specific testing exists for a definitive diagnosis. Among the recommendations:

Evaluation

History: Ask about vaping. Consider EVALI in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with respiratory, gastrointestinal, or constitutional symptoms who vape. GI symptoms may precede respiratory symptoms.
Physical exam: Start with vital signs and pulse oximetry and a complete physical exam. Patients w…

Reviewing Author

Louis M. Bell, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNIH Institutional Clinical and Translational Science Award; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality National Center for Pediatric Practice Based Research Learning; Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute

Editorial BoardsCurrent Problems in Pediatric Adolescent Healthcare

Leadership Positions in Professional Societies College of Physicians of Philadelphia (Board of Trustees)

Louis M. Bell, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsCurrent Problems in Pediatric Adolescent Healthcare

Leadership Positions in Professional Societies College of Physicians of Philadelphia (Board of Trustees)

Recommendations for Managing Vaping-Associated Lung Injury

Topics

Reviewing Author