Spread of mysterious lung illness prompts a new question in the exam room: ‘Do you vape?’

A recent rash of vaping-related illnesses has sickened hundreds in the United States, sparked a sweeping public health investigation, and generated a flurry of legislative measures to curb the e-cigarette industry.

But in exam rooms, the illnesses have prompted a less-noticed but equally significant shift: Doctors, particularly pulmonologists, are asking patients whether they vape, even when they’re not presenting symptoms of the mysterious illness.

“In the past, I would ask people, ‘Do you smoke? Do you use marijuana?’ Now, I add