Electronic Cigarettes for Quitting Smoking
Nicotine e-cigarettes can probably help people quit smoking for at least six months. They will probably work better than nicotine replacement therapy or nicotine-free e-cigarettes.They may work better than no support or behavioral support only, and may not be associated with serious unwanted effects.However, more reliable evidence is needed before we can be confident about the effects of e-cigarettes, especially the newer types of e-cigarettes that are better at delivering nicotine.
Hartmann-Boyce J, McRobbie H, Lindson N, Bullen C, Begh R, Theodoulou A, Notley C, Rigotti NA, Turner T, Butler AR, Fanshawe TR, HajekP. Electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2021, No. 4. Art. No.: CD010216. doi: 10.1002 /14651858.CD010216.pub5. Accessed May 12, 2021.
Commentary
This study was a pooled meta-analysis of the results of 56 studies of adults with a history of smoking, 12,804 people. Each study compared e-cigarettes with the following
・Nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches or gum.
・Varenicline (a drug that helps people quit smoking);
・Nicotine-free e-cigarettes.
・Behavioral support, such as advice and counseling.
・No support for quitting.
The results stated that a higher percentage of people quit smoking when they use e-cigarettes that contain nicotine than when they use nicotine replacement therapy or e-cigarettes that do not contain nicotine. Since smoking cessation is supported for at least six months, the use of e-cigarettes that contain nicotine may be helpful for quitting smoking in tendonchyus. Also, this method is more likely to encourage people to quit smoking than a method without smoking cessation support, or a method that only supports the behavior to quit smoking.
In terms of the ratio of people who quit smoking, 10 out of every 100 people who use e-cigarettes that contain nicotine have a chance of successfully quitting smoking, while 6 out of every 100 people who use nicotine replacement therapy or e-cigarettes that do not contain nicotine have a chance of successfully quitting smoking.
The negative effects reported in the study were throat and mouth irritation, headaches, coughing, and feeling sick.
If you are thinking of quitting smoking, it would be helpful to know that this is an option for you.
