Summary
Introduction:
This text provides a comprehensive review of the health impacts of e-cigarettes and their association with traditional smoking. It highlights the harmful effects of e-cigarettes on the respiratory system, oral health, and cardiovascular system. The review also explores the relationship between e-cigarette use and the initiation of traditional smoking, particularly among adolescents.
Key Points:
* E-cigarettes have a negative impact on the health of smokers, with exposure to e-cigarettes weakening the innate immune system's neutrophils, lung macrophages, and airway epithelium.
* Previous studies have identified a correlation between adolescent e-cigarette use and traditional cigarette smoking.
* A systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies found strong and consistent evidence of an association between initial e-cigarette use and subsequent cigarette smoking initiation among adolescents and young adults aged 14-30.
* Teenagers who used e-cigarettes for 30 days were twice more likely to start conventional cigarette smoking.
* E-cigarettes do not seem to be undermining the youth population’s long-term decline in traditional cigarette smoking in the United Kingdom.
* E-cigarette smoking was found to be associated with 2.1 times more obstructive lung function impairment.
* Daily e-cigarette use was reported by 1.1% of respondents and was independently associated with 78% higher odds of poor oral health.
* An increase in the use of e-cigarettes as an easy mode of nicotine consumption among adolescents could lead to an increase in cannabis use via vaping.
Main Message:
The review highlights the harmful effects of e-cigarettes on health, particularly among adolescents. The association between e-cigarette use and traditional smoking initiation is a significant concern, and healthcare professionals should be aware of the risks associated with both smoking methods. Preventive measures and awareness campaigns are necessary to educate the general public, youth, and healthcare professionals about the impacts of e-cigarettes.
Citation
Alotaybi M, Alzahrani SS, Algethmi AM, et al. E-cigarettes and Vaping: A Smoking Cessation Method or Another Smoking Innovation? Cureus. 2022;14(12):1. doi:10.7759/cureus.32435
