E-Cigarette Use Linked to Respiratory Symptoms in Youth: ERS 2026

E-cigarette use among children and adolescents was associated with increased respiratory symptoms and evidence of early airflow limitation, according to research presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress 2026.

The cross-sectional study of more than 1,200 adolescents found that current e-cigarette users were more likely to experience wheeze and asthma exacerbations than non-users. They also had a significantly lower mean FEV₁/FVC ratio, raising concerns about the potential respiratory effects of e-cigarette exposure during lung development.

E-Cigarette Use Reported by Nearly One in Five

The study included 1,248 participants aged 12–18 years recruited through school-based health surveys. Participants self-reported their e-cigarette use and were classified as either current users or non-users.

Researchers assessed several respiratory outcomes, including wheeze, chronic cough, asthma diagnosis, and spirometric measures of lung function. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, passive smoke exposure, and socioeconomic status.

Overall, 18.6% of participants reported currently using e-cigarettes.

Higher Odds of Respiratory Symptoms

Current e-cigarette users had 72% higher adjusted odds of wheeze compared with non-users (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.29–2.30).

E-cigarette use was also associated with greater odds of asthma exacerbations, with users having a 56% increase in adjusted odds compared with adolescents who did not currently use e-cigarettes (aOR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.12–2.18).

Differences were also observed in spirometry. Mean FEV₁/FVC was 2.1 percentage points lower among current e-cigarette users (p=0.01), suggesting an association with early airflow limitation. However, no significant association was identified between e-cigarette use and absolute FEV₁.

Findings Raise Concerns for Developing Lungs

The results add to concerns surrounding e-cigarette use during adolescence, a period in which the respiratory system is still developing.

The researchers concluded that e-cigarette use among children and adolescents was associated with increased respiratory symptoms and early airflow limitation, supporting efforts to prevent e-cigarette use among young people.

However, the cross-sectional design means the study cannot establish that e-cigarette use caused the observed respiratory differences. Longitudinal research will be needed to determine how continued exposure may affect lung function and respiratory health over time.

Reference

Eshghi A et al. Association Between Electronic Cigarette Use and Respiratory Outcomes in Children and Adolescents. ERS Congress, 6-9th September, 2026.