Use of electronic cigarettes and secondhand exposure to their aerosols are associated with asthma symptoms among adolescents: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a research study that explores the association between electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use, exposure to secondhand aerosols (Sha) from e-cigarettes, and asthma symptoms in adolescents. The study was conducted using a school-based, cross-sectional design and included a random and representative sample of high school students from Kuwait.

Key Points:

* E-cigarette use was associated with increased prevalence of asthma symptoms independent of combustible cigarette use and other covariates.
* Frequency of exposure to household Sha from e-cigarettes was associated with asthma symptoms independent of combustible cigarette use, e-cigarette use, exposure to household ShS, exposure to public places ShS/Sha, sex, and age.
* The study found positive associations between current e-cigarette use with current wheeze and current asthma that were independent of combustible cigarette use and other covariates.
* Dual users of combustible cigarettes and e-cigarettes had the highest increase in the prevalence of asthma symptoms.
* Frequent exposure to household Sha from e-cigarettes was associated with increased prevalence of current wheeze, current asthma, and current uncontrolled symptoms of asthma.
* The study controlled for potential confounders such as sex, age, exposure to household ShS, exposure to public places ShS/Sha, and e-cigarette use status.
* The study had a high response proportion and used standardized questionnaires, but it was limited by the lack of confirmatory information on the extent of household Sha exposure and the lack of detailed information on adherence to medication among participants with asthma.

Main Message:
The study found that e-cigarette use and exposure to Sha from e-cigarettes are associated with asthma symptoms in adolescents, independent of combustible cigarette use and other covariates. These findings highlight the potential adverse respiratory effects of primary use of e-cigarettes as well as passive exposure to their aerosols among adolescents. The study underscores the importance of community-level public health strategies to address e-cigarette use, particularly in light of the increasing use of e-cigarettes among adolescents and the potential harmful effects of passive exposure to e-cigarettes aerosols. Comprehensive public health policies and strategies that aim to reduce tobacco use, including e-cigarettes, among adults and adolescents in the population should be developed and implemented.

alnajem a, Redha a, alroumi D, et al. Use of electronic cigarettes and secondhand exposure to their aerosols are associated with asthma symptoms among adolescents: a cross-sectional study. Respiratory research. 2020;21(1):300. doi:10.1186/s12931-020-01569-9