Adult-Onset Asthma Associated With E-Cigarette Use

Cureus. 2021 Nov 1;13(11):e19190. doi: 10.7759/cureus.19190. eCollection 2021 Nov.

Abstract

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are being increasingly used as a "safer" alternative to regular cigarettes as a method of de-addiction or a bridge to nicotine cessation. However, a multitude of pulmonary pathologies have been described associated with its use and have been clubbed under the category of e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI). This case describes a patient who started e-cigarette smoking in order to quit combustible cigarette smoking and developed adult-onset severe asthma. The clinical effect was initially reversible but later developed into persistent symptoms requiring inhaled and systemic therapy.

Keywords: cigarette smoking; corticosteroids; e-cigarettes; electronic cigarettes; nicotine addiction; refractory asthma; vaping.

Publication types

  • Case Reports