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Review
. 2023 Apr 1;23(2):137-143.
doi: 10.1097/ACI.0000000000000891.

E-cigarettes and asthma in adolescents

Folashade Afolabi  1   2   3 , Devika R Rao  1   2   3
Affiliations
Review

E-cigarettes and asthma in adolescents

Folashade Afolabi et al. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: E-cigarettes have been long purported to be a mechanism of harm reduction in current smokers. However, market expansion to adolescents has been aggressive, despite government interventions. Research examining the adverse effects of e-cigarettes in teens with asthma has been limited. We discuss the most recent data on the pulmonary manifestations of e-cigarettes use and exposure in adolescents with asthma.

Recent findings: Adolescents with asthma are more likely to be e-cigarette users than those without asthma and more likely to have asthma exacerbations. Increased pulmonary inflammatory cytokines have been seen in e-cigarette users and mouse models. Yet, providers are not confident in e-cigarette screening and counselling despite acknowledging adolescents are using e-cigarettes regularly.

Summary: Since the introduction of e-cigarettes into the United States market in 2007, adolescents use of these products has risen, even after a brief decline during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This review will describe the most recent studies on e-cigarette use trends, cytotoxicity of e-cigarette aerosol and associations with the diagnosis and symptoms of asthma. Knowledge gaps, advocacy efforts, evidence on e-cigarette cessation will be highlighted.

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References

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