Vitamin E Acetate In Bronchoalveolar-Lavage Fluid Associated With Evali
Electronic cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) is a newly recognized lung disease associated with e-cigarette use. It was first identified in the United States in 2019 and has since spread to other countries. One of the key findings in patients with EVALI is the presence of vitamin E acetate in their bronchoalveolar-lavage fluid.
What is Vitamin E Acetate?
Vitamin E acetate is a synthetic form of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that is naturally found in some foods, such as nuts and seeds. It is commonly used as an additive in e-cigarette and vaping products to increase the amount of THC (the psychoactive component of marijuana) that reaches the lungs.
How is Vitamin E Acetate Linked to EVALI?
While the exact cause of EVALI is still unknown, the presence of vitamin E acetate in the bronchoalveolar-lavage fluid of patients with the disease has been identified as a key finding. Vitamin E acetate can cause lung injury when it is inhaled, and it has been found in many of the e-cigarette and vaping products that have been linked to the outbreak of EVALI.
What are the Symptoms of EVALI?
The symptoms of EVALI can vary from person to person, but they often include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, fatigue, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some patients have also reported experiencing headache, dizziness, and confusion.
How is EVALI Treated?
The treatment of EVALI is primarily supportive, meaning that patients are given oxygen therapy and other treatments to help them breathe. In some cases, patients may need to be hospitalized or put on a ventilator to support their breathing. There is no specific medication or cure for EVALI at this time.
How Can EVALI be Prevented?
The best way to prevent EVALI is to avoid using e-cigarette or vaping products, especially those that contain THC. If you do use e-cigarette or vaping products, you should only use products that are purchased from a reputable source and that have been tested for vitamin E acetate and other harmful substances.
Conclusion
The outbreak of EVALI has raised concerns about the safety of e-cigarette and vaping products, and the link between vitamin E acetate and the disease has highlighted the potential dangers of using these products. If you are concerned about your health or the health of a loved one, it is important to seek medical attention and to avoid using e-cigarette or vaping products until more is known about their safety.