Lung damage induced by the use of electronic cigarettes

Abstract

Introduction: Electronic cigarettes (ECs) emerged in 2003 as an attempt to revive the tobacco industry, and in Brazil, these devices quickly gained popularity, especially among young people and non-smokers, attracted by the variety of flavors, high nicotine delivery, and perceived reduced health risks compared to traditional cigarettes. The use of electronic cigarettes causes systemic harm to users, particularly to the respiratory system, leading to various changes in lung function, airway flow abnormalities, dyspnea, and cough. In light of this, the study aims to highlight the respiratory damage triggered by the use of electronic cigarettes. Development: This is an integrative literature review, conducted between February and May 2024, in which nine articles were selected. The use of ECs is associated with diffuse lung damage, which manifests as clinical signs and symptoms such as dyspnea, reduced expiratory flow, and cough. Numerous harmful substances were found in the vaporized content of ECs, some of which are common to both ECs and traditional cigarettes, such as formaldehyde, and others that are exclusive to ECs, such as vitamin E acetate. The pattern of injury seen in imaging tests is quite variable, but the most common findings were bilateral interstitial infiltrates and lesions in the small airways, characteristic of exposure to toxic inhaled substances. Conclusions: ECs have been associated with various pulmonary damages, including pneumonias, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and diffuse alveolar damage. While many countries have implemented policies to prevent the use of these devices, the results have been unsatisfactory, highlighting the importance of public awareness. The lack of in-depth studies on the effects of ECs is a limitation, but it underscores the need for better understanding in order to develop more effective preventive and therapeutic strategies.