Summary
Introduction: This text provides an analysis of the relationship between cigarette-e-cigarette transitions and respiratory symptom development. It discusses the potential pulmonary risks and benefits of switching products, using data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study.
Key Points:
* The study examines the association between cigarette-e-cigarette transitions and respiratory symptoms, specifically dry nighttime cough and wheeze.
* Data was obtained from the PATH Study, a nationally representative cohort study of 32,320 adults, with data collection occurring over 5 annual waves from 2013 to 2019.
* The study sample included PATH respondents who completed all 5 waves of surveys, resulting in 33,231 observations from 13,528 unique participants.
* Transitioning from nonuse to exclusive e-cigarette use was associated with a 1.62 times higher incidence rate of wheeze development compared to persistent nonuse.
* Switching from e-cigarettes to cigarettes was associated with higher rates of both cough and wheeze development than persistent e-cigarette use.
* Transitions from dual use to e-cigarette use were associated with reductions in the rates of both cough and wheeze development.
* The study found no evidence that e-cigarette initiation without complete cigarette cessation was associated with changes in respiratory symptom development.
Main Message: The study suggests that e-cigarette initiation among nonusers is associated with increased respiratory morbidity, while transitioning from dual use to exclusive e-cigarette use may reduce respiratory symptom development. However, further research is needed to assess the risks and benefits of e-cigarette-assisted cigarette cessation. The findings highlight the urgency for robust e-cigarette regulations among the nonsmoking population, given the potential for significant avoidable burden of respiratory morbidity.
Citation
Berlowitz JB, Xie W, Harlow AF, et al. Cigarette‒E-cigarette Transitions and Respiratory Symptom Development. American journal of preventive medicine. 2023;64(4):556-560. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2022.10.006
