What is Electronic Cigarette Disease (EVALI)? EVALI Symptoms and Treatment

Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Lecturer Seha AKDUMAN made statements regarding acute lung damage, which develops due to electronic cigarette use and is called “Evali Syndrome”. “This situation, which the World Health Organization (WHO) defined as an epidemic in 2024, once again reveals the dangers of electronic cigarette use, which is rapidly spreading especially among young people, on health. In Evali Syndrome, as in other acute lung injuries, patients may tend to harden the lungs, which we call 'fibrosis', and permanent damage to the lungs may occur even after recovery.”

Are Electronic Cigarettes Dangerous?

WHO drew attention to the negative effects of electronic cigarettes on health in its report on new and emerging products on the Global Tobacco Epidemic published in 2021. The report emphasized that electronic cigarettes contain toxins similar to tobacco products and threaten lung health. In 2024, it defined Evali (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury) Syndrome, which develops due to electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, as an epidemic and drew attention to the negative effects of this situation on public health. The WHO report emphasized that vaping can lead to serious health problems such as respiratory failure and permanent lung damage.

What is Evali Syndrome?

Pulmonologist said that “Evali is an acute lung injury caused by electronic cigarettes or vaping devices. This condition can lead to respiratory failure and even serious respiratory distress. Although it has not been on the agenda very often until today, it was defined as an epidemic by WHO in 2024 and stood out as a problem that needs to be addressed carefully.”

What are the Risk Factors in Evali Syndrome?

Stating that the touting of electronic cigarettes as less harmful creates a false perception, the Chest Diseases Specialist made the following statements: “Although electronic cigarettes are promoted as less harmful than regular cigarettes, they contain similar toxins. In particular, heavy metals that can dissolve in water vapor are thought to have the potential to cause more damage to the lungs.”

What are the Symptoms of Evali Syndrome?

Stating that the symptoms of Evali can be confused with diseases such as Covid-19 and influenza, our expert said, “Frosted glass densities similar to those in Covid-19 and influenza can be seen in Evali patients. It is critical to exclude viral infections when making a diagnosis. After it is determined that there is no viral or bacterial infection by PCR tests or other methods, the diagnosis can be made by examining the patient's history of vaping.”

How is Evali Syndrome Treated?

Stating that supportive methods are used for respiratory failure in the treatment of Evali, our specialist gave the following information: “Cortisone therapy is used very effectively to suppress inflammation in Evali. In addition, other respiratory failure treatment methods are also applied.”

What Are The Harms of Electronic Cigarettes?

Referring to the long-term effects of electronic cigarette use, chest diseases made the following warnings: “Evali Syndrome, which develops due to electronic cigarette use, can cause permanent damage such as fibrosis (hardening) in the lungs. Electronic cigarettes were first licensed in 2003 and Evali was defined in 2019. The incidence of this disease is increasing every year, which could lead to more serious health problems among young people in the future. Vaping is not an innocent alternative; on the contrary, some toxins have a higher potential to cause harm.”
Emphasizing once again the dangers of electronic cigarettes, he said the following: Dr. AKDUMAN concluded his words as follows: “Although electronic cigarettes are presented as an innocent alternative to cigarettes, they contain the same toxins and can cause serious health problems like Evali. The year 2024 was a year in which Evali was referred to as an epidemic. Young people and adults should be aware of the dangers of these products and avoid using them.”