Health effects of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use on organ systems and its implications for public health (original) (raw)

Background There has been growing concern over the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in recent years. Although advocated as an aid to smoking cessation , there is increasing evidence of harm not just to the respiratory system, but to all other organs in the body. To give a clearer picture on how e-cigarettes can affect our health, we gathered an overview of the literature on the various health effects of e-cigarettes and categorized them into how they specifically affect organ systems. E-cigarette exposure has produced a range of stress and inflammatory reactions in the pulmonary system, including shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, bronchial and pulmonary irritations, and impaired pulmonary function. In the oral and gastrointesti-nal system, gingival inflammation, sore throat, nausea , vomiting, and diarrhea have been reported. Increased tachycardia and blood pressure were reported reactions in the cardiovascular system. In the neuro-logical system headaches, irritability, anxiety, depen-R. Seiler-Ramadas, M. A., M.Sc. () · I. Sandner · S. Haider, Mag.rer.nat., PhD · I. Grabovac, Dr.med. dence and insomnia were observed. Other effects included ocular irritation, contact dermatitis, acute re-nal insufficiency, toxicity and potential carcinogenic-ity. Nevertheless, studies have found improvements in time-based memory and nicotine withdrawal associated with the cessation of conventional cigarette smoking and switching to e-cigarette use. Also, toxic and carcinogenic metabolites were reportedly lower in e-cigarette smokers than in conventional cigarette smokers. Conclusion A growing number of studies are showing the adverse effects caused by e-cigarettes on all human organ systems. Further research on the chemical components, the diverse flavors, and the long-term effects on active and passive users are needed to clarify the implications of e-cigarette use on individual and public health.