TITLE:
Bilateral Pneumonia and Pleural Effusions Subsequent to Electronic Cigarette Use
AUTHORS:
Kendall Moore, Henry Young II, Matthew F. Ryan
KEYWORDS:
Electronic Cigarettes, E-Cigarettes, Pneumonia, Pleural Effusion, Vaping
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Emergency Medicine,
Vol.3 No.3,
September
7,
2015
ABSTRACT: Electronic nicotine delivery systems also known as electronic cigarettes (or e-cigarettes) are marketed by their manufactures as a safer alternative to tobacco cigarettes because of potentially reduced delivery of toxins. However, the scientific evidence and the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes are limited. We describe a case of a 43-year-old man who had been smoking electronic cigarettes excessively for three days and presented with acute dyspnea, increased work of breathing and tachycardia. Subsequent chest x-ray revealed bilateral pleural effusions. In addition, the patient had a new oxygen requirement and was thus admitted with a diagnosis of pneumonia and bilateral pleural effusions. The case and the potential harmful effects of electronic cigarettes are discussed herein.