Vaping in Asthmatic Adolescents: Time to Deal with the Elephant in the Room.

Grigorios Chatziparasidis,Ahmad Kantar

doi:10.3390/children9030311

Grigorios Chatziparasidis, Ahmad Kantar

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/children9030311

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Journal: Children	Publication Date: Feb 24, 2022
Citations: 1	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Thessaly, Ospedale San Donato

Abstract

Adolescence is a period characterized by developmental, psychological, and psychosocial alterations, with a major impact on youths’ attitudes and perceptions. Adolescents with asthma may not comply with treatment and may develop risky behaviors, including smoking, vaping, and other substance use, leading to unanticipated exacerbations and consequences. Vaping has become extremely popular in this age group, and studies have suggested that it has potential adverse effects on asthmatic airways. More well-designed studies are needed to confirm the initial worrying data, and action must be taken by both medical officers and health authorities to deal with the elephant in the room and curb the vaping pandemic. The aim of this paper is to provide a review of the current knowledge regarding the effect of vaping on adolescents with asthma and to propose actions to restrain this fast-growing trend.

Highlights

The World Health Organization defines adolescence as a period of growth and development between puberty and adulthood, spanning across the ages of 10 to 19 years [1].Asthma is common in adolescence, with 14.3% of 13–14-year-olds in Western Europe reporting a wheeze in the previous 12 months
Noncompliance with asthma treatments is a well-known issue in the adolescence age group and is exacerbated by risky behaviors, including smoking, vaping, and other substance use, leading to unanticipated exacerbations and consequences
This review aims to present the current knowledge on the asthma–vaping interaction during the sentimentally fragile adolescence period, emphasizing the need for more welldesigned studies that will prove causality and exert pressure on governments to restrict Electronic cigarettes (ECs)

Summary

Introduction

The World Health Organization defines adolescence as a period of growth and development between puberty and adulthood, spanning across the ages of 10 to 19 years [1]. Asthma is common in adolescence, with 14.3% of 13–14-year-olds in Western Europe reporting a wheeze in the previous 12 months (current wheeze). There is evidence that asthma in adolescents is underdiagnosed, with estimates showing that 20–30% of all asthma cases in this age group go undetected [2]. Noncompliance with asthma treatments is a well-known issue in the adolescence age group and is exacerbated by risky behaviors, including smoking, vaping, and other substance use, leading to unanticipated exacerbations and consequences. In. Australia, electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) usage is becoming more popular among youths, with roughly 5% of 18–24-year-olds reporting experience with e-cigarettes. Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) usage is becoming more popular among youths, with roughly 5% of 18–24-year-olds reporting experience with e-cigarettes This growing trend is alarming, especially among first-time smokers [6,7]. This review aims to present the current knowledge on the asthma–vaping interaction during the sentimentally fragile adolescence period, emphasizing the need for more welldesigned studies that will prove causality and exert pressure on governments to restrict EC use by youths

What Are ECs and Why Have They Become So Popular among Adolescents?

Are ECs a Means to Avoid or Quit Tobacco Smoking?

Is the Content of ECs Safe to Inhale?

Findings

Conclusions