Electronic cigarette

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellnesspedia

An electronic cigarette, also known as an e-cigarette, is a battery-powered device designed to mimic the act of smoking without the use of tobacco. E-cigarettes come in various shapes and sizes, including those resembling cigarettes, cigars, or pens. The device contains a liquid solution that usually consists of nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals, some of which may be harmful.

E-cigarettes

Components and Function[edit | edit source]

An e-cigarette typically has the following components:

  • Battery: Provides power to the device.
  • Atomizer: Heats the liquid solution and turns it into vapor.
  • Cartridge: Holds the liquid solution (also known as e-liquid or vape juice).
  • Mouthpiece: Allows the user to inhale the vapor.

When a user inhales through the mouthpiece, the atomizer heats the e-liquid, creating a vapor or mist that can be inhaled into the lungs. The amount of nicotine in the e-liquid can vary depending on the brand and user preference, ranging from no nicotine to high concentrations.

Safety and Health Concerns[edit | edit source]

The safety of electronic cigarettes is a topic of ongoing research and debate. While e-cigarettes do not produce the same harmful chemicals as traditional cigarettes, they still contain nicotine and other potentially harmful substances. Some studies have suggested that e-cigarette vapor may contain harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, which are known to be toxic at certain levels.

Long-term effects of e-cigarette use are not yet fully understood, but some evidence suggests that it may have negative impacts on lung function and cardiovascular health.

E-cigarettes and Smoking Cessation[edit | edit source]

There is mixed evidence on whether e-cigarettes can be an effective tool for smoking cessation. Some studies suggest that e-cigarettes may help smokers quit or reduce their tobacco consumption, while others have found no significant difference in quit rates between e-cigarette users and those using other nicotine replacement therapies or no therapy at all.

It is important for individuals considering e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss the best approach for their specific situation.

Summary[edit | edit source]

A device that has the shape of a cigarette, cigar, or pen and does not contain tobacco. It uses a battery and contains a solution of nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals, some of which may be harmful. When electronic cigarettes are used, the nicotine solution turns into a mist that can be inhaled into the lungs. The amount of nicotine in individual e-cigarettes can vary. It is not yet known whether electronic cigarettes are safe or if they can be used to help smokers quit smoking. Also called e-cigarette.

Electronic cigarette Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg

Translate to: East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski


Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Bonnu, Prab R. Tumpati, MD