ABSTRACT Understanding the effects of vapor on the respiratory system is crucial. This study aimed to qualitatively analyze infectious and noninfectious diseases related to electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use, focusing on clinical presentation, management, and health outcomes. A detailed PubMed search was conducted for articles published up to April 2024 on health issues related to the respiratory tract and e-cigarettes. Forty-seven publications were identified. Of these, 20 were case reports or case series that summarized respiratory tract conditions in adolescent and adult e-cigarette users. The respiratory system is the primary site exposed to the chemical constituents of e-cigarettes. Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin may cause chemical and thermal injuries owing to inflammatory reactions, cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and cell death. Heavy metal contamination may lead to the production of reactive oxygen species and aldehydes, which impair immune function and increase susceptibility to infection. Data on the diagnosis and management of vapor-associated respiratory system health issues are lacking. Owing to the chemical constituents of aerosols and heavy metal exposures, e-cigarettes may pose health risks and should be considered in patients with respiratory tract infections. Further research is needed to study the effectiveness of the current treatments for vaping-associated respiratory conditions.
Kwan et al. (Tue,) studied this question.