Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
Comparing the Effects of Electronic Cigarette Vapor and Cigarette Smoke in a Novel In Vivo Exposure System
Published on: May 24, 2017
Association between current e-cigarette use and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a meta-analysis focusing on
Yanqiu Jiang1, Yao Wang1, Mengya Yang1
1Clinical Research Center, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, China.
Background:
While often promoted as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are linked to uncertain long-term health effects. Their independent relationship with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains unclear, mainly due to the confounding effects of traditional cigarette use. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between current e-cigarette use and the prevalence of COPD. As a key secondary aim, we conducted a subgroup analysis focusing on exclusive e-cigarette users-individuals who currently use e-cigarettes but have never smoked traditional cigarettes-to preliminarily explore the independent association.
Methods:
A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Database for studies published up to 12 November 2025. Eligible observational studies that assessed the association between e-cigarette use and the prevalence of COPD were included, and pooled estimates were calculated using a random-effects model.
Results:
A total of 15 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Current e-cigarette use was associated with a significantly higher odds of having COPD (pooled odds ratio [OR] = 2.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.61-2.56). Former e-cigarette users also had an elevated association with COPD (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.38-2.41). Subgroup analyses indicated the prevalence of COPD was higher among exclusive e-cigarette users (OR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.46-3.00), dual users of e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes (OR = 3.13, 95% CI: 2.01-4.87), and current e-cigarette users with a smoking history (OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.41-3.35). Sensitivity analysis supported the robustness of these findings, and no evidence of publication bias was observed.
Conclusion:
This meta-analysis suggests that current e-cigarette use is associated with a higher prevalence of COPD. This association remained evident among exclusive e-cigarette users, indicating a potential link independent of traditional smoking history.
Systematic Review Registration:
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251218716, identifier (CRD420251218716).
Related Concept Videos
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...