E-cigarettes and vapes are the same thing. The terms are used interchangeably.
An E-cigarette is a device for inhaling ‘vapour’ (an aerosol) that usually contains nicotine. E-cigarettes contain a battery that heats up a liquid which usually consists of nicotine dissolved in propylene glycol or glycerine, and added flavourings. The heating of the liquid produces the ‘vapour’ which delivers nicotine into the body when it is inhaled.
The research regarding e-cigarettes can be conflicting however it does seem to indicate that e-cigarettes can be a useful aid for stopping smoking. Because the long-term effects of using e-cigarettes remains unknown, they are not recommended for long-term use, however if someone is at risk of relapse to smoking tobacco if they stop using an e-cigarette, it would be better to continue to use an e-cigarette because, based on current knowledge, they are not as harmful as cigarettes.
Using e-cigarettes without stopping smoking (dual use) will not have health benefits. Anyone using both should be encouraged to stop smoking as soon as they can.
E-cigarettes should not be used by non-smokers and people under 18 years old.
There are 2 key messages*
- To smokers we say: whether or not you use e-cigarettes, try stopping smoking for the sake of your health and wellbeing and those around you. There is lots of help at hand to help you quit. NHS Scotland stop smoking services are free and are here to help you do that. (for smokers, signpost to Community Pharmacy).
- To health professionals we say: when smokers come to you, advise them about the different ways they can quit and which are most effective. Be clear with them that expert support and medicinal treatments* have the strongest evidence base to help people stop smoking. Do not turn anybody away because they choose to use e-cigarettes. When recording smoking status, if someone uses an e-cigarette and does not smoke tobacco and there is not an option to chose e-cigarette/vape user, the smoking status should be recorded as non-smoker.
*consensus statement on e-cigarettes - NHS Health Scotland 2017
Ask
Questions to guide conversation
- Do you vape?
- Have you tried to stop vaping before?
Assist
Community Pharmacy may be able to provide behavioural support while people use an e-cigarette to stop smoking.
E-cigarettes are not available through the NHS and would need to be purchased by the patient.
Act
Sign-post to community pharmacy and advise them to ask if the pharmacy can support them to stop smoking using an e-cigarette.
Go to a specialist vape shop to seek advice on how to use an e-cigarette to stop smoking, with the caveat that their business is to sell e-cigarettes.