Vaping in the Age of Pandemic – A Narrative Review

Abstract

Abstract Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are devices that heat a liquid to create an aerosol that is inhaled by the user. The liquid may contains nicotine, flavorings and other chemicals such as propylene glycol, glycerol or diacetyl. Since their entrance to the market in 2003, e-cigarette use has risen rapidly, especially among young people. Recent studies indicate that e-cigarettes are not harmless and safe alternatives to combustible conventional tobacco, especially with regard to their effects on cardiovascular and lung diseases. Objective This study aimed to explore scientific research on the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection rates/the severity of COVID-19 and vaping. Methods A bibliometric analysis of articles indexes in PubMed, Scopus and ClinicalKey, published in English from 2020 to 2022 was undertaken. Results Most of the research revealed the fact that because the COVID-19 virus affects the respiratory tract and has ability to increase angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression in the lungs, e-cigarette use may rise the risk of infection or severity of outcomes due to COVID-19. Conclusion E-cigarette use may have adverse effects and further research is needed to elucidate the impact of e-cigarette consumption on human health in he event of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The significant increase in e-cigarette use in the near future and the impact of COVID-19 may increase the burden of chronic disease.