According to a U.S. longitudinal study, sustained e-cigarette use is associated with various respiratory, somatic, and oral symptoms in young people. The study monitored participants aged 15–24 between 2020 and 2025.
The study, published in the journal Preventive Medicine, examined whether the duration of e-cigarette use is associated with subsequent health symptoms among young people in the United States. Researchers analyzed data from seven survey waves of a probability-based longitudinal cohort between 2020 and 2025, involving a total of 5,917 participants who were 15–24 years old at baseline. The logistic regression analysis controlled for the use of other tobacco products, baseline self-rated health, and demographic characteristics.
The results indicated that compared to non-users, sustained e-cigarette use (reported in at least two waves) was associated with increased odds of persistent respiratory, somatic, and oral complaints. Significant associations included coughing or wheezing, chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, sleep disturbances, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, nausea or vomiting, weight changes, dry mouth or throat, and changes or loss of taste (odds ratios: 1.43–2.84). Experimental use (reported in only one wave) was also associated with certain symptoms, such as chest congestion, weight change, and dry mouth (odds ratios: 1.80–3.46).
The authors conclude that the findings support the monitoring of persistent symptoms associated with e-cigarette use—independent of other tobacco products—as these may be potential indicators of longer-term health risks.
In brief
- The survey conducted between 2020 and 2025 examined data from 5,917 American youths, aged 15–24 at the start, across seven waves.
- Among sustained e-cigarette users, respiratory complaints, sleep difficulties, high blood pressure, and oral symptoms were significantly more common (OR: 1.43–2.84).
- Chest congestion, dry mouth, and weight changes were also observed among experimental users (OR: 1.80–3.46).
- The observed symptom associations persisted even after accounting for the use of other tobacco products.
Source: PubMed (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
This summary was generated by artificial intelligence based on the original article.