Role of electronic nicotine delivery systems in smoking cessation

摘要

Smoking has significant healthcare and economic implications, and despite the knowledge of the harmful effects it brings, many struggle to quit. Whether via medication or nicotine replacement therapy, pharmacotherapy is the mainstay of smoking cessation treatment. However, in recent years there has been an ever-expanding market for electronic nicotine delivery systems (electronic cigarettes). These devices are often marketed for the purpose of smoking cessation, though they do not carry approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration for this purpose. Current evidence is still inconclusive with regards to electronic cigarette use and their effect on smoking cessation. Further evidence will be needed going forward to elucidate what role, if any, these devices should play in smoking cessation.