Publicar

34 - IMPACTO DO USO DE CIGARROS ELETRÔNICOS NA FUNÇÃO PULMONAR DE ADOLESCENTES E ADULTOS JOVENS

Doi: 10.47094/XCESMED.2026/34

PALAVRAS CHAVE: Cigarros eletrônicos; Função pulmonar; Adolescentes; Adultos jovens.

KEYWORDS: Electronic cigarettes; Lung function; Adolescents; Young adults.

ABSTRACT:
INTRODUCTION: Electronic cigarette use has increased among adolescents and young adults, often because they are perceived as less harmful than conventional cigarettes. These devices can cause airway inflammation and alterations in lung function, making it necessary to investigate their potential impact on the respiratory health of this population. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the impact of electronic cigarette use on the lung function of adolescents and young adults. METHODOLOGY: This is a systematic literature review conducted using the PubMed database. The search employed the descriptors "Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems" and "Lung function" combined with the Boolean operator "AND," along with filters for "Adolescent," "Young Adult," "Free full text," and studies published within the last five years. Thirty-three articles were identified; following an initial screening, 19 were selected for detailed analysis as they met the eligibility criteria and aligned with the review's objective. RESULTS: Alterations in lung function were identified via spirometry, pulmonary diffusion tests, and impulse oscillometry. Key findings included reductions in spirometric parameters—such as forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and the FEV1/FVC ratio—as well as increased airway resistance, suggesting respiratory functional impairment in adolescents and young adults who use electronic cigarettes. Some studies also observed changes in measures related to expiratory flow and lung mechanics, reinforcing the possibility of functional impairment even in young individuals. Secondary findings included a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms—such as cough, wheezing, dyspnea, and bronchitis-like symptoms—even among individuals who did not use conventional cigarettes. Prospective and cohort studies also suggested an increase in these symptoms associated with continued use. Additionally, some studies have reported the presence of inflammatory biomarkers associated with electronic cigarette use, reinforcing the link between vaping and respiratory consequences in this age group. These findings were consistently described in the articles included in the review. CONCLUSION: Electronic cigarette use is associated with adverse effects on the lung health of adolescents and young adults. Evidence demonstrates the presence of respiratory symptoms, detectable functional changes, and inflammatory processes, as well as potential impacts resulting from passive exposure. These effects are highly significant and may pose a major risk to the health of the young population, particularly considering early and prolonged use.

Autores

  • Ana Luíza Lira Silva Pinheiro

  • Gabriel Borges Dal Bosco

  • Lara Auad Forte

  • Marcos Pereira Machado

  • Mireli Lacerda Borges

  • Roseliane de Souza Araújo

Download