Abstract

E-CIGARETTE: AN AID TO SMOKING CESSATION ?

Dr. Syed Kasfur Rahman*, Dr. Pallavi Kawatra, Dr. Cuckoo Aiyappa, Dr. M. C. Shivamurthy

Abstract

Introduction: In spite of vast awareness programs, smoking has been a rising cause of morbidity and mortality in the world today. Electronic cigarettes (E-cigarettes), also known Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) are battery operated devices which vaporize a liquid, thereby mimicking the smoking process without burning tobacco. Methods: A review of the literature pertaining to Electronic cigarettes published from 2005 to 2015 was carried out in the electronic databases Pub med, Google scholar and Science direct. The search terms were: nicotine de-addiction, electronic cigarettes, smoking cessation and vaping. Results: There is limited evidence for the effectiveness of e-cigarettes in smoking cessation; however, there may be a place in therapy to help modify smoking habits or reduce the number of cigarettes smoked. The reduced exposure to toxicants of well-regulated ENDS used by established adult smokers as a complete substitution for cigarettes is likely to be less toxic than conventional cigarettes or other combusted tobacco products. But, the amount of risk reduction is presently unknown. Conclusion: Very few studies have established the efficacy and safety of E-cigarettes over a long period. Thus this review highlights the current status of E- cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid.

Keywords: E- Cigarette, ENDS, smoking cessation.