Journal of Pediatric Medicine and Child Health

ABSTRACT

Background

Cigarette smoking and e-cigarette vaping among adolescents is a big problem in worldwide. Cigarette smoking causes respiratory disorders such as COPD, Lung Cancer, Asthma Exacerbation as well as e-cigarette vaping also causes Lung Injury, Bronchiolitis Obliterans, Airway Resistance, Decreased Immune Function etc. E-cigarettes are less harmful compared to combustible cigarettes; but both are harmful for the respiratory function. Therefore this systematic literature review aims to evaluate and compare the health effects of cigarette smoking and e-cigarette vaing on respiratory function among adolescents.

Methods

This systematic literature review was performed using databases such as Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PubMed, ResearchGate, and Web of Science. Articles published between 2013 and 2026 on health effects, cigarette smoking, e-cigarette vaping, respiratory function, and adolescents was searched using specific key terms.

Results

The results obtained from the reviewed articles showed that smoking cigarettes can lead to low lung function, airway inflammation, persistent cough and wheezing. Similarly the use of e-cigarettes has been found to cause respiratory issues such as airway inflammation, cough and mild decrease in lung function. However the evidence also shows that vaping isn’t free of health risksand it can cause early respiratory complications among adolescents.

Conclusion

In general this review indicates that although e-cigarettes have fewer respiratory consequences compared to conventional cigarettes, both types of nicotine intake are linked with poor respiratory outcomes in adolescents. It is important for preventive measures to be taken to ensure that adolescents engage in neither activity.

Keywords: Health Effects; Cigarette Smoking; E-cigarette Vaping; Respiratory Function; Adolescents