Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use and frequency of asthma symptoms in adult asthmatics in California

Abstract

Introduction Electronic cigarettes use is increasing in the United States. One motive for e-cigarette’s popularity is that they wean from combustible cigarettes. Smokers perceive electronic cigarette products as healthier than cigarette smoking and as a useful tool for smoking cessation. However, research has indicated the use of electronic cigarettes may have harmful effects on respiratory function even with short-term use. Respiratory effects of e-cigarette use among asthmatics are little understood. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the association between e-cigarette use and frequency of asthma symptoms among adult asthmatics in California from 2015–2016. Methods This cross-sectional study included a total of 1277 adult asthmatics. The presence of asthma was based on an adult’s self-reported doctor diagnosis. The analysis was controlled for age, education, sex, race, body mass index, and smoking status. Results E-cigarette use was associated with increased odds of having more frequent asthma symptoms (OR = 1.69, CI: 1.20–2.39, p = 0.002; ORadj = 1.65, CI: 1.09–2.49, p = 0.016). Male e-cigarette users were more likely to have more frequent asthma symptoms compared to male nonusers (OR = 1.90, CI: 1.13–3.19, p = 0.015; ORadj = 2.42, CI: 1.28–4.55, p = 0.006). No differences were found between female e-cigarette users and nonusers (OR = 1.43, CI: 0.86–2.37, p = 0.162; ORadj = 1.26, CI: 0.72–2.18, p = 0.162). Conclusion Our findings suggest that e-cigarette use is associated with more frequent asthma symptoms and disproportionally affects male asthmatics.