Faculty Sponsor

Jana Stedman

College

College of Nursing & Health Professions (CONHP)

Department/Program

Physician Assistant Program

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Summer 7-23-2025

Abstract

E-cigarettes recently entered the tobacco market as a "healthier" alternative to cigarettes, although there is lacking data on their long term health effects. The objective of this project is to see if a relationship exists between e-cigarette usage and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) development compared to traditional cigarettes. The research done for this project was collected from Valparaiso University Library and Google Scholar. Keywords used to obtain information included "E-cigarette use and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease," "E-cigarette use and COPD development," and "E-cigarette and cigarette and COPD." Studies included in this project had the following criteria: e=cigarette use, current or former cigarette use, adults >18, no prior diagnosis of COPD. Studies excluded from this project included: prior diagnosis of COPD, other forms of tobacco that are not e-cigarettes or traditional cigarettes, <18 years of age. The primary endpoint evaluated in this project was COPD development. There is similar COPD development in e-cigarette users compared to combustible cigarette users. Compared to non-smokers, those that use e-cigarettes are at a higher risk of developing COPD. Findings also showed that people who use both e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes are at a higher risk of developing COPD than those who only use one type. E-cigarettes pose a threat to lung health and should be used with caution. The statement that e-cigarettes are less harmful than combustible cigarettes should be avoided when counseling patients due to the findings of these studies. While more research should be done, ultimately e-cigarettes pose a health risk.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Meryn Burk is currently a Physician Assistant student with an interest in working in Primary Care. Due to the amount of patient education involved in Primary Care, she wanted to focus on a topic that will affect future education. Due to the increasing prevalence of e-cigarettes, it is a tobacco form that will continue to present in clinic, and she feels it is important to be informed of potential health effects caused by e-cigarettes.

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