Attention special groups: What are the contraindications for the use of e-cigarettes?

I. Minors: Absolutely prohibited from using

The flavorings in e-cigarettes, such as fruit flavors and candy flavors, have attracted a large number of minors. However, these so-called "harmless" flavors are actually dangerous traps. Nicotine is one of the core components of e-cigarettes. Since the brains of minors are not yet fully developed, research by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in the United States has confirmed that exposure to nicotine in adolescents can damage the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, emotions, and impulses, increasing the risk of addiction and the likelihood of abusing other drugs in the future. In addition, the respiratory systems of minors are more vulnerable. E-cigarettes may trigger respiratory inflammation, asthma and other diseases, and long-term use may even affect the normal development of the lungs.

II. Pregnant women and lactating women: Avoid all contact

Using e-cigarettes during pregnancy poses serious hazards to both the mother and the fetus. Nicotine in e-cigarettes can be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta, causing the fetal heart rate to accelerate and blood vessels to constrict, which affects the blood and oxygen supply to the fetus. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) warns that using e-cigarettes during pregnancy may increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight babies, and neonatal respiratory diseases. For lactating women, nicotine can be passed to the baby through breast milk, interfering with the baby's sleep and the development of the nervous system. Long-term exposure may affect the cognitive and behavioral development of the baby.

III. Patients with cardiovascular diseases: Be vigilant about potential risks

Although e-cigarettes do not contain tar, they can still cause damage to the cardiovascular system. Nicotine can cause blood vessels to constrict, blood pressure to rise, and the heart rate to accelerate, increasing the burden on the heart. Research by the American Heart Association (AHA) has found that the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases is higher among people who use e-cigarettes compared to those who do not use them. In addition, heavy metals (such as lead and nickel) and ultrafine particles in the e-cigarette aerosol can enter the bloodstream, triggering vascular inflammation and oxidative stress reactions, further increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

IV. Patients with respiratory diseases: Aggravate the hidden dangers of the disease

For patients with respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, using e-cigarettes will worsen their condition. The aerosol produced by e-cigarettes contains substances such as propylene glycol and glycerin. The steam formed after these substances are heated can irritate the respiratory mucosa, causing symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath. The American Thoracic Society (ATS) points out that e-cigarettes may trigger asthma attacks, leading to respiratory tract narrowing and difficulty breathing. For patients with COPD, e-cigarettes will accelerate the decline of lung function, reduce the quality of life, and increase the frequency and severity of acute exacerbations.

V. People with allergic constitutions: Use with caution

The flavorings, spices, and certain additives in e-cigarettes may trigger allergic reactions. For example, spices such as cinnamon and mint may cause oral and throat allergies, resulting in symptoms such as redness, swelling, and itching. Some people are also allergic to propylene glycol in e-cigarette liquid, and may experience allergic reactions such as rashes and rapid breathing after contact. People with allergic constitutions should carefully understand the product ingredients before using e-cigarettes, avoid substances that may cause allergies, and stop using them immediately and seek medical attention if any discomfort symptoms occur.

E-cigarettes are not "harmless" as some promotions claim. For special groups, there are many potential risks associated with using e-cigarettes. For the health of themselves and others, the above special groups should strictly abide by the usage contraindications and stay away from e-cigarettes. At the same time, the public should also raise awareness of the hazards of e-cigarettes, view e-cigarette products rationally, and while enjoying the convenience brought by technology, safeguard their health defenses.