In a recent study published in PLoS ONE , a group of researchers examined the longitudinal association between exposure to electronic cigarette (ECIG) flavors and nocturnal dry cough among ECIG users. The use of ECIGs among youth and young adults is a serious public health concern. ECIGs heat and aerosolize a liquid containing propylene glycol (PG) and/or vegetable glycerin (VG), with added flavorings and often nicotine.
These constituents are associated with negative health effects. Flavorings contribute to the toxicity of ECIG aerosols, including aldehydes and reactive species. In vitro and animal studies have shown that flavors like menthol, strawberry, vanillin, and cinnamon can cause respiratory inflammation (Swelling and irritation in the airways) and oxidative stress (Cellular damage caused by free radicals).
Despite assumptions of lower harm than combustible cigarettes, ECIGs pose health risks, including respiratory disease and symptoms. Further research is needed to understand better both the short-term and long-term health effects of ECIG constituents, including their impact on respiratory health. The present study analyzed data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study (2014-2019), a nationally representative longitudinal cohort of non-institutionalized adults and youth in the United States (US).
The study sample included adults from Wave 2 due to the absence of the outcome variable in Wave 1, resulting in 18,925 participants and a total of .
