Patterns of Use of e-Cigarettes and Their Respiratory Effects: A Critical Umbrella Review
March 17, 2025 by sagepub.com
Patterns of Use of e-Cigarettes and Their Respiratory Effects: A Critical Umbrella Review
The review examined the respiratory effects of e-cigarette (EC) use in adults, categorizing users into three patterns: dual use (with cigarettes), exclusive use (after smoking cessation), and naïve use (without prior cigarette use). A total of twelve systematic reviews were included, which analyzed data from randomized controlled trials and cohort studies. The findings showed no statistically significant changes in respiratory function for any pattern of EC use in the short or medium term. Common issues such as reporting bias were noted, and the lack of significant results was likely due to the weaknesses in the studies, including participants' smoking history affecting outcomes and the inclusion of those with low EC use frequency.