A recent study presented at the American Rhinologic Society, Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meeting (ARS-COSM) held in Boston, Massachusetts, May 3-5, 2023, highlighted the importance of considering the relationship between electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use and sinusitis in practice. A team of researchers at Yale University School of Medicine characterized the epidemiologic trends in e-cigarette use among patients recently diagnosed with sinusitis in the US.
E-cigarette use has increased over the past decade, with many users turning to these devices as an alternative to traditional cigarettes. They are battery-operated devices that heat a liquid containing nicotine flavorings and other additives to produce a vapor the user inhales. While e-cigarettes are often perceived as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, there is growing concern about the health effects of long-term e-cigarette use. Studies have suggested that e-cigarette use may be associated with an increased risk of respiratory symptoms and respiratory tract infections. In particular, early data suggest a possible link between pathology, including chronic sinusitis.
This present study used the data (2014-2018) from the National Health Interview Survey and identified individuals using electronic cigarettes with a sinusitis diagnosis within the past 12 months. Bivariate chi-squared analysis was performed to compare categorical variables with statistical significance scored as p< 0.05. Moreover, multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate for associations and account for confounding.
According to study findings, among 19,342 participants presenting sinusitis, 2902 (15%) individuals reported using e-cigarettes. Furthermore, patients below 50 were more likely to use e-cigarettes than those above 50, suggesting a high prevalence of e-cigarette use in adolescents and young adults. In addition, patients with sinusitis in the southern parts were more likely to use e-cigarettes. Compared to those living in the northeast states. Besides, male patients and those with less than a high school education were significantly more likely to use e-cigarettes.
“We highlight the importance of considering the relationship between e-cigarette use and sinusitis in practice, as well as identifying and addressing factors associated with e-cigarette used in different populations,” the authors concluded.
The authors remarked that data describing the association between e-cigarette use and sinus disease remain limited. Further research is needed to better understand the potential health effects of long-term e-cigarette use. Additionally, targeted screening and counseling might be particularly beneficial in reducing e-cigarette use among adolescents and young adults. Finally, variations in taxation and laws around the use of public spaces may contribute to this growing trend.
Reference:
Panth N, Abdou H, H. Sheth A et al. Trends in electronic cigarette use among patients with sinusitis in the US. ARS-COSM, May 4-5, 2023