You can smoke them virtually anywhere. Many say they will
help you quit smoking, a plus for people with COPD who often struggle with
smoking cessation. Others are skeptical and afraid to try them. The FDA would
like to regulate them as medical products. The e-cigarette industry feels that
the FDA has no substantiated reason to do so. There's a lot of talk going on
about e-cigarettes, so before making a decision to use them, learn the facts
about their pros and cons.
What are E-Cigarettes?
Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes for short, are
battery-powered devices filled with liquid nicotine (a highly addictive
chemical) that is dissolved in a solution of water and propylene glycol. Many
of them look like real cigarettes, with a white cylindrical tube, brown filter,
and red-glowing tip. Others come in less conspicuous, darker colors.
How Do They Work?
Often termed "vaping," when you take a puff on the
end of the e-cigarette tube, a battery heats up the nicotine, which creates a
vapor that is then inhaled into the lungs. The end result is a sensation of
smoke in the mouth and lungs without really smoking.
The Upside to E-Cigarettes
Unlike tobacco products, there are no current laws in effect
prohibiting the use of e-cigarettes in public places. Case in point, I work in
a hospital and a fellow nurse smokes them right there in the nursing station.
Here's what current research says about the positive aspects
of this product:
In a study of 40
tobacco-dependent smokers, researchers concluded that smoking e-cigarettes
alleviated the desire to smoke (after abstaining from smoking overnight), was
well-tolerated, and pharmacologically more like a Nicorette inhaler than
tobacco.
Another study of 50 smokers who wanted to reduce the health
risks associated with smoking, but not quit completely, concluded that the
Eclipse brand of e-cigarettes dramatically decreased the consumption of
cigarettes without causing withdrawal symptoms. In addition, when participants
smoked Eclipse, the nicotine concentrations in their blood remained fairly
stable and their desire to quit altogether remained intact.
However, the study
concluded that because the Eclipse increased carbon monoxide concentrations in
the blood, it may not be a safer choice of cigarette. On the other hand, it
caused few, significant adverse events.
In a case study series, the e-cigarette was found to help
three study participants -- who all had a documented history of repeated failed
attempts at smoking cessation using professional smoking cessation assistance
methods -- quit smoking and remain abstinent for at least 6 months.
During an online survey conducted in 2010, researchers
polled visitors of websites and discussion forums dedicated to the use of the
e-cigarette and smoking cessation. Of the 3,587 participants, 70% were former
smokers, 61% were men, and the median age was 41 years. On average,
participants used the e-cigarette for approximately 3 months, drew 120
puffs/day, and used 5 cartridges/day. Almost all of them used cartridges that
contained nicotine. Ninety-six percent said that the e-cigarette helped them
quit smoking, while 92% said that it made them smoke less. A majority of the
participants said the e-cigarette helped them fight cravings, cope with
withdrawal symptoms, and avoid relapsing on cigarettes.
The Downside of E-Cigarettes
If you are a savvy consumer, both positive and negative
aspects of the the product you are considering should be scrutinized before you
purchase it. The e-cigarette is no exception. Take a look at what some of the
research says about the negative aspects of the e-cigarette:
A 2010 research paper
published in Tobacco Control suggests that the e-cigarette lacks important
regulatory factors, such as essential health warnings, proper labeling, clear
instructions on how to use them, and safe disposal methods. The authors of the
study also found that some of the e-cigarette cartridges leaked, which could
cause toxic exposure to nicotine.
A study published in
the December 2011 issue of CHEST found that the e-cigarette caused acute
pulmonary effects after smoking it for only five minutes, although study
authors pointed out that these effects may not be of clinical significance.
During the study, 40 healthy non-smokers (30 experimental/10 control) were
asked to smoke the e-cigarette ad lib for five minutes. The experimental group
used the e-cigarette with the nicotine cartridge in place, while the control
group smoked it with the nicotine cartridge removed.
After five minutes, lung function was assessed using a
variety of tests. Results showed that smoking the device for just five minutes
caused an increase in impedance, peripheral airway flow resistance, and
oxidative stress in the lungs of healthy smokers (smokers who are not diagnosed
with lung disease or chronic health conditions.) They also pointed out that the
study only measured results from smoking the e-cigarette for five minutes --
because the average consumer is likely to smoke the e-cigarette many times a
day, this might increase the risks. However, the authors suggested that it is
possible that if the e-cigarette were used as a short-term bridge to smoking
cessation, the benefits might outweigh the risks.
On their website, the FDA states that states that
"E-cigarettes may contain ingredients that are known to be toxic to
humans, and may contain other ingredients that may not be safe." They also
suggest that because e-cigarette manufacturers are not required to submit
clinical study data to them, the public has no way of knowing "whether
e-cigarettes are safe for their intended use, what types or concentrations of
potentially harmful chemicals are found in these products, or how much nicotine
they are inhaling when they use these products." The FDA is also concerned
that the marketing efforts of e-cigarettes may increase addiction to nicotine,
especially in young people, encouraging them to experiment with real tobacco
products.
The Best Way To Quit Smoking
How you choose to quit smoking is a matter of personal
choice. The best method is the one that works for you. With this in mind, doing
whatever it takes to be successful -- and safe -- is how many people ultimately
approach it.
Consult your health care provider about different stop
smoking aids, including nicotine replacement therapy, quit smoking medications
such as Clonidine and Wellbutrin, quit smoking support groups, and educational
materials.
If you decide to try the e-cigarette, be sure to discuss
this with your doctor and do your homework. Understand the pros, cons, and
safety concerns, and then make an informed decision. The most important thing
to remember is, no matter how you do it, you are making the best decision of
your life when you finally decide to quit smoking, especially if you have COPD.
Electronic Cigarettes Prices
No comments:
Post a Comment