A Comprehensive Review of Vaping Use in Pediatric Patients and Recent Changes in Regulatory Laws

The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), also known as vapes, by adolescents and young adults has dramatically increased over the past several years. E-cigarettes continue to be the most used form of tobacco among youth. As a result of this concerning trend, policies at both the state and federal levels have been implemented to limit availability in this population. Additionally, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had some positive and negative effects on the youth vaping epidemic with adolescent consumers reporting limited access to retail sites during the stay-at-home executive orders, but easier access with online purchasing because age verification was often not required. Complications resulting from vaping have been reported and include e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) and thrombotic events. Data suggest that the use of vaping devices can lead to both short- and long-term respiratory morbidity in the pediatric population. This review serves to provide a comprehensive examination of vaping use in pediatric patients and recent changes in regulatory laws to equip pharmacists with the knowledge to be aware of the different devices and products available, ask their pediatric patients regularly about use, and counsel and educate on the potential harmful effects.