About this topic
Electronic cigarettes are also called e-cigarettes. When you breathe in on an e-cigarette, you get nicotine and flavorings right into your lungs. Some people will use an e-cigarette to help them stop smoking. Others will use one in places where smoking is not allowed. ‚
E-cigarettes do not burn tobacco. This means when you use them you are not getting tar and carbon monoxide into your lungs. You are still getting nicotine and other harmful chemicals into your lungs. ‚
General
E-cigarettes are battery powered and have three parts. One part holds the fluid with nicotine and other flavorings in it. The second part has the battery that heats the fluid into a vapor. The third part is where you breathe in on the cigarette. This is where you draw the vapor into your lungs along with the nicotine and other chemicals. ‚
Doctors do not know if it is safe to use e-cigarettes. They also do not know if these cigarettes will help you to stop smoking. They do know the liquid inside the e-cigarettes can be harmful to people who use e-cigarettes, children, and pets. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Nicotine addiction
- Pneumonia
- Heart disease
- Blood clots
- Blood pressure problems
- Stomach ulcers
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headaches, feeling tense, or nosebleeds
- Harder to catch your breath, cough that does not go away, or rasping voice
- You would like help quitting
Where can I learn more?
Food and Drug Administration ‚
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm172906.htm ‚
Kids Health ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/talk/e-cigarettes.html# ‚
National Institute on Drug Abuse ‚
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/electronic-cigarettes-e-cigarettes ‚
Smoke Free ‚
http://smokefree.gov/e-cigarettes ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚