Association of e-Cigarette Exposure with Pediatric Otitis Media Recurrence. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2023 Sep;132(9):1018-1025
Date
10/12/2022Pubmed ID
36217957DOI
10.1177/00034894221129013Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85139551804 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Otitis media (OM) is a common inflammatory disease spectrum in children and a leading cause of pediatric physician visits, antibiotic prescriptions and surgery. Tobacco exposure is associated with increased risk of OM recurrence, chronicity and surgeries. Tobacco products have changed dramatically in recent years with the advent of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). While users frequently perceive vape as less harmful than traditional cigarettes, burgeoning evidence supports its contribution to respiratory pathologies. The consequences of secondhand exposure, particularly among children, are understudied. The aim of this study was to examine the association of e-cigarette emissions (EE) with OM recurrence and surgeries in the US.
METHODS: Questionnaire data regarding ear infections and tobacco exposure was gathered for all pediatric respondents of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017 to 2018. Weighted analyzes and logistic regression models were used to assess associations.
RESULTS: Data was available for 2022 participants (aged 6-17); all were included for analyzes. Tobacco exposure was observed in 42%; 9% were exposed to EE. EE contributed to risk of ≥3 ear infections (OR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.01-2.58, P = .047). After adjustment for significant covariates (race and asthma), the association fell below significance (P = .081). No other significant associations were observed between ear infections, or tympanostomy tube insertion and exposure variables (EE, gestational or other household exposure).
CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to EE may confer greater risk of pediatric OM than previously identified factors such as household smoke, or gestational exposure. Further investigation of EE and its health implications in children is warranted.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.
Author List
Lam TK, Samuels TL, Yan K, Zhang L, Adams J, Stabenau KA, Kerschner JE, Johnston NAuthors
Nikki Johnston PhD Professor in the Otolaryngology department at Medical College of WisconsinKe Yan PhD Associate Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AsthmaChild
Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems
Humans
Nutrition Surveys
Otitis Media
Surveys and Questionnaires
