Recent media attention has been brought to severe respiratory illnesses associated with use of electronic cigarettes, a practice more commonly known as “vaping”.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is providing consultation to 5 states regarding a cluster of pulmonary illness related to use of electronic cigarettes. Since June 2019, 94 cases have been reported across 14 states.  Additional states have informed the CDC of possible cases of respiratory illnesses associated with electronic cigarette use, but these cases remain under investigation and are not yet confirmed.

Electronic cigarettes heat a solution to produce a vapor that is then inhaled.  Solutions typically contain propylene glycol or glycerol, and/or flavorings. Some solutions contain nicotine, while others do not. Many smokers report using electronic cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid, however, randomized controlled trials have been limited and have shown only equivocal results in terms of efficacy.  Additionally, electronic cigarettes have shown to be inferior when compared to other smoking cessations aids. Perhaps more disturbing is that teens and adolescents who do not currently smoke cigarettes are beginning to use electronic cigarettes.  Studies have shown that these teens and adolescents have much higher rates of initiating cigarette use. 

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

E-cigarette users have greater odds of subsequent cigarette use

Hurst's The Heart, 14e: CHAPTER 30: EPIDEMIOLOGY OF SMOKING AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF CARDIOVASCULAR DAMAGE