Secondhand exposure to e-cigarettes may make asthma symptoms worse

In January 2019 researchers from the USA published the results of their study to assess the association between secondhand e-cigarette exposure and an increase in asthma symptoms in adolescents with asthma. A total of 11,830 individuals, aged 11-17 years, were included in the study. Information was available on reported asthma attacks in the past 12 months, cigarette use, cigar use, hookah use, e-cigarette use, past 30-day secondhand smoke exposure and past 30-day secondhand e-cigarette exposure. Results showed that secondhand exposure to e-cigarettes was associated with an increased risk of reporting an asthma attack in the past 12 months. Doctors may therefore need to counsel adolescents with asthma regarding the potential risks of secondhand exposure to e-cigarettes. Future studies are required to assess the relationship between secondhand e-cigarette exposure and asthma control.

Bayly JE et al. Secondhand Exposure to Aerosols From Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Asthma Exacerbations Among Youth With Asthma. Chest. 2019 Jan;155(1):88-93.

Leave a Reply