Summary
Introduction:
This text presents the study examining the association between e-cigarette use and chronic respiratory symptoms in young adults and never tobacco smokers. The study aims to clarify the role of age and concurrent tobacco smoking in the relationship between e-cigarette use and respiratory symptoms.
Key Points:
* The study analyzed data from the 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey conducted by the CDC.
* E-cigarette use was defined as using e-cigarettes every day or some days, and the primary outcome was chronic respiratory symptoms, including daily cough, sputum production, or breathlessness during the past 3 months.
* after adjusting for sex, obesity, and cardiopulmonary disease, e-cigarette use was not associated with respiratory symptoms among current or recent-former smokers across age groups.
* however, e-cigarette use was associated with a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms among younger never-smokers and remote-former smokers.
* across age groups, e-cigarette use was not associated with individual symptoms among current or recent-former smokers.
* among remote-former smokers >55 years of age, there was a lower prevalence of sputum production with e-cigarette use.
* The association of e-cigarette use with chronic respiratory symptoms among young never-smokers was primarily driven by a higher prevalence of cough.
Main Message:
The main message of the study is that e-cigarette use is associated with a higher prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among young never-smokers and remote-former tobacco smokers. The findings suggest that e-cigarette use may have detrimental effects on respiratory health, particularly in individuals with a lower background risk. The study highlights the importance of counseling patients, especially young adults, about the potential harm of e-cigarette use. Longitudinal studies are needed to understand the long-term risks of e-cigarette use among traditionally low-risk populations.
Citation
Giovanni SP, Keller TL, Bryant aD, Weiss NS, Littman aJ. Electronic Cigarette Use and Chronic Respiratory Symptoms among U.S. adults. american journal of respiratory and critical care medicine. 2020;201(9):1157-1160. doi:10.1164/rccm.201907-1460LE
