La cigarette électronique. Outil d’aide au sevrage tabagique ?

Abstract

The electronic cigarette is a tobacco product. Users, who smoke tobacco, report an efficacy of the electronic cigarette to reduce or even stop smoking with a good tolerance. However, simply reducing smoking by vapotage is not very effective unless it is followed by a complete and lasting tobacco withdrawal. The products of the vapotage can induce biological effects in the short or medium term, but very probably less than those induced by the inhalation of tobacco smoke. Potentially toxic but low concentration heating products could be detected. Controlled studies and follow-up of longitudinal cohorts are required to validate the efficacy of electronic cigarettes and to verify their tolerance. Nevertheless, the highly variable technology of available materials and the legal status of the electronic cigarette make complex tolerance and efficacy studies complicated compared to validated smoking cessation techniques. The use of a new generation electronic cigarette with nicotine is possible in active smokers, in failure of validated weaning strategy, given the risk established after chronic inhalation of tobacco smoke. The goal should be a complete smoking cessation in the medium term. It is not recommended for non-smokers.