Today, the CDC released new recommendations for the evaluation and treatment of patients with suspected vaping-associated lung injury. “Interim Guidance for Health Care Providers Evaluating and Caring for Patients with Suspected E-cigarette, or Vaping Product Use Associated Lung Injury – United States, October 2019” is the result of collaboration between the CDC and professional medical societies, including the American Thoracic Society.
Don Hayes, Jr., MD, and Carolyn Calfee, MD, represented the ATS on the expert panel that crafted the report. It provides guidance for:
- Initial clinical evaluation.
- Suggested criteria for hospital admission and treatment.
- Patient follow-up.
- Special considerations for groups at high risk.
- Clinical and public health recommendations.
The CDC recommends that people “consider refraining from using e-cigarette, or vaping, products that contain nicotine. Regardless of the ongoing investigation, e-cigarette, or vaping, products should never be used by youths, young adults, or women who are pregnant. Adults who do not currently use tobacco products should not start using e-cigarette, or vaping, products.”
For additional resources on vaping, members may see ATS vaping pieces here. Other CDC content on lung injury may be found here and here.
