Vaping may increase the risk of relapse in some former smokers

Washington: A new study found that an electronic cigarette helps adults quit smoking, but also increases the risk of relapse in some former smokers. "This study is the first to indicate that even though smokers are successful in quitting with electronic cigarettes, they still need to be monitored by doctors and health professionals to avoid long-term recidivism." said Ramchandar Gomajee, lead author of the study.

The study, published in the medical journal JAMA Internal Medicine, tracked more than 5,000 daily smokers for an average of two years. The results indicate that smokers who evaporated used fewer cigarettes daily and were more than one and a half times more likely to quit smoking altogether.

But researchers also noted over 2,000 former smokers and found that those who used e-cigarettes were more likely to start smoking again. "So while [e-cigarette] use can help people reduce their tobacco use in the short term, there is no indication that it is an effective help to quit in the long term, "the researchers said.

However, the study also revealed that the risk of relapse was not visible in people who had just quit smoking. The study took into account people who quit smoking in 2010 and in this sample, found that vaping increased the risk of relapse.

In contrast, when researchers took into account those who quit smoking in 2013 and after 2013, they were less likely to relapse. According to the researchers, "technical improvements in [e-cigarettes] over time "might explain why they were less likely to relapse." Prior to the technological advancements made around 2013, electronic cigarette devices were hard to use and effective only for those more keen on authentic smokers, "said Gregory Conley, president, American Vaping Association.

Earlier this year, researchers in another study found that e-cigarettes were almost twice as effective at helping smokers quit smoking than traditional nicotine replacement therapies, such as nicotine patches.

"While e-cigarettes may be a market exit potential for adult smokers, they have proven to be a nicotine addiction phenomenon that is very popular among young people," said Dr. Robert Jackler, founder of Stanford Research Group. on the impact of tobacco. Advertisement.

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