E-Cigarettes with Fruit-flavor Increase Risk of Nocturnal Dry Cough: Study

The study suggests that nocturnal dry cough, often an early marker of respiratory inflammation, could signal broader health risks linked to flavored ECIG use. This is specifically relevant as flavored ECIGs are frequently marketed in ways that appeal to younger demographics by potentially leading to prolonged exposure and elevated risks.

The findings add to growing concerns about the pulmonary toxicity of ECIG flavors which was previously demonstrated in laboratory and animal models. While these preclinical studies have flagged potential harm, this research represents a significant step in epidemiological evidence, connecting flavor-specific ECIG use with measurable respiratory outcomes.

Nocturnal dry cough might be an early warning sign of inflammation which calls for the need for increased awareness and regulation around flavored ECIGs. As ECIGs remain a popular alternative to traditional smoking among young adults, these findings highlight the importance of monitoring potential long-term health effects. Overall, this study reinforces calls for public health interventions to limit the availability of flavored ECIGs and educate users about their risks.

Source:

Quinones Tavarez, Z., Croft, D. P., Li, D., Gill, S. R., Wojtovich, A. P., Rahman, I., & Ossip, D. J. (2024). Fruit flavors in electronic cigarettes (ECIGs) are associated with nocturnal dry cough: A population longitudinal analysis. In M. S. Aslam (Ed.), PLOS ONE (Vol. 19, Issue 6, p. e0306467). Public Library of Science (PLoS). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0306467