E-Cigarette Use - Did we Learn from our Mistakes?

Daraei P and Moore C

Emory University Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, USA
Grady Health System, USA
HEALing Community Center, USA

^*Correspondance to: Charles Moore 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.1072

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of electronic cigarette use in the adolescent population has increased quickly over the past few years. Complexity and customizability of the electronic cigarettes, and now vaporizers, has mirrored the increase in demand. Most concerning is the pattern of e-cigarette use and pro-e-cigarette advertisement, which resembles those of traditional cigarettes in the early 20th century. Unfortunately, data on e-cigarettes is minimal and equivocal at best.Materials and
Methods: A review of the English literature was performed using Pubmed/ MEDLINE for demographics, epidemiology, and studies that focused on the electronic cigarette use, particularly in the adolescent population.Results: E-cigarette use has increased drastically over the past four years, as have pro-e-cigarette advertisements. Unfortunately, pro-e-cigarette advertisements are unopposed, and legislature has not caught up with the increasing prevalence of e-cigarette use. Because data are lacking, only preliminary warnings can be issued; however, given the concerning similarity between e-cigarette and traditional cigarette trends, prevention is critical, particularly in the adolescent population.Conclusion: As the popularity of e-cigarettes increases, data regarding long-term use will naturally lag behind. Increasing awareness of this bothersome trend in order to concentrate a healthcare, legislative, and social framework to combat the use of e-cigarettes before definitive data are gathered is necessary and may portend a great benefit to nicotine-associated comorbidities in the near future.

Keywords

Head and neck cancer; E-cigarettes; Vaping; Adolescent; Survival; Prevention

Cite the article

Daraei P, Moore C. E-Cigarette Use - Did we Learn from our Mistakes? Clin Surg. 2016; 1: 1072.