Efectos secundarios del cigarrillo electrónico (Vape) en la salud pulmonar. Revisión Sistemática

Abstract

Background: In recent years, tobacco consumption has increased, and in response to its harmful effects, electronic cigarettes were developed as an alternative. Their use is common among young people, and lung injuries similar to those caused by conventional tobacco have been reported. This systematic review aims to identify the main effects of electronic cigarettes on lung health. Methods: A systematic review was conducted, including original articles, clinical trials, and case-control studies retrieved from digital databases such as Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. Publications in English or Spanish from the last five years were included, while articles published before 2019, in other languages, addressing effects on other organs, and gray literature were excluded. Results: Fourteen articles were reviewed, demonstrating that the most frequent symptoms were dyspnea, chest pain, and cough. Computed tomography revealed ground-glass opacities, while biopsies showed diffuse alveolar damage and organizing pneumonia. Conclusions: Electronic cigarettes are associated with several harmful health effects, especially affecting lung health. An association was found between respiratory symptoms, Computed Tomography(CT) scan findings, and biopsy results. However, the long-term effects have not yet been fully determined as the population of electronic cigarette users has existed for less than 10 years. Therefore, future research is necessary to address this question. Keywords: Vape, electronic cigarettes, lung damage, lung disease