Prolonged e-cigarette use may increase COPD risk among individuals with pre-existing respiratory vulnerabilities. Although switching from combustible cigarettes remains an important harm reduction strategy, behavioral counseling and pharmacotherapy should be prioritized for those at high risk for COPD, with e-cigarette cessation support available to high-risk former smokers. Continued surveillance and research are warranted as e-cigarette products and use patterns evolve.
Cook et al. (Thu,) studied this question.