Vaping as a Factor in the Development of Atypical Pneumonia in the Adolescent Population
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/2415-8127.2025.72.13Keywords:
vape-associated pneumonia, atypical pneumonia, adolescentsAbstract
Introduction. Vaping among children and adolescents is rapidly spreading worldwide, raising concerns not only in the medical but also in the public health community due to the increasing incidence of respiratory diseases, particularly vape-associated and atypical pneumonia. Objective: To present current concepts of vape-associated pneumonia in children and adolescents, to identify the main pathogenetic mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic approaches based on international scientific publications, as well as to analyze the prevalence of vaping among adolescents in educational institutions and its significance as a risk factor for atypical pneumonia. Materials and Methods: A literature review was conducted using open-access databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. A survey analysis of 93 adolescents and 8 adolescent/parent pairs was carried out. The questionnaire was created on the "Google Forms" platform. A prospective study was also conducted in 8 patients with atypical pneumonia. Results and Discussion: Our study among adolescents revealed that the infection rate with atypical pathogens was higher among smokers. Furthermore, smoking positively correlated with a more severe disease course. Atypical pneumonia was more prevalent in vape-dependent boys (57.8%), OR=1.43; 95% CI 1.2–8.8; p<0.05. A key feature of the diagnostic evaluation of vape-associated atypical pneumonia is a thorough medical history, particularly the use of vapes within the last 30 days. Conclusions: Vape-associated pneumonia (EVALI) is a newly recognized clinical form of lung injury linked to the inhalation of e-cigarette components. The most vulnerable group includes children and adolescents, in whom EVALI may present with nonspecific symptoms, rapidly progress to respiratory failure, and require intensive care. Information on vape-associated pneumonia is only beginning to emerge in the scientific community. Physicians and researchers must strategically focus on specific groups of adolescents who are most vulnerable to e-cigarette use. An important element of the "adolescent–physician" relationship is prevention and effective compliance, which represents the perspective of our further research. Regarding educational institutions, anti-vaping programs should be integrated into routine school medical examinations.
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