From Vaping to Ventilation: E-Cigarettes in Emergency Medicine

ABSTRACT Aims: The aim of this review is to raise awareness among healthcare professionals, particularly those working in emergency departments, about the potential health consequences associated with the use of e-cigarettes. Material and methods: A PubMed search conducted on May 25, 2025, identified 31 articles published between 2021 and 2025. English-language articles from 2020–2025 and a limited number of earlier studies were also reviewed for eligibility. A total of 21 articles met the inclusion criteria.All authors jointly reviewed and revised the manuscript for accuracy. Results: Electronic cigarettes, classified as the most prevalent form of electronic nicotine and non nicotine delivery systems. Recent studies point to potential long-term health risks. In 2023, 10.0% of high school and 4.6% of middle school students reported current use, with higher prevalence among females. Though less common in adults (4.5%). Health risks, including vaping-related lung injury (EVALI) have raised significant concern among healthcare professionals. Conclusions: The long-term consequences of EVALI on respiratory function and imaging results are still unclear. Prospective research and standardized follow-up protocols is essential to better characterize these effects and optimize outcomes.