Increase in emergency room visits due to e-cigarette and nicotine consumption observed nationwide
In a concerning development, the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center (KIPRC) at the University of Kentucky has released a report showing an increase in emergency department (ED) visits related to e-cigarette dependence and nicotine toxicity among Kentucky residents between 2018 and 2024.
The report, conducted by KIPRC epidemiologists Mira Mirzaian, MPH, and Lara Daniels, MPH, found that visits among Kentuckians under age 18 rose from fewer than 300 in 2018 to over 2,700 in 2024. This increase is particularly alarming, as it suggests a growing trend of e-cigarette use among the state's youth.
The rise can be attributed to several interconnected factors. First, the increased popularity and use of e-cigarettes among youth and young adults have been driven by social acceptance, targeted marketing, and the perception that e-cigarettes are safer than traditional cigarettes.
Second, higher nicotine concentrations in newer e-cigarette products have increased addiction potential and the risk of toxicity. Many modern e-cig devices use nicotine salts, allowing for higher nicotine delivery with reduced harshness.
Third, the lack of regulation on product content and sales has contributed to widespread usage. Until recent years, many states, including Kentucky, had limited restrictions on e-cigarette sales and flavorings attractive to youth.
Lastly, inadequate public awareness and education on vaping risks have delayed effective prevention and intervention efforts, causing more cases of dependence and toxicity. Misconceptions that vaping is harmless have persisted, contributing to the growing crisis.
To address and reverse these trends, the report suggests several approaches. Enhanced surveillance and research could help collect detailed data on demographics, product types, usage patterns, and clinical presentations to better understand causes and risk factors.
Stricter regulation could limit nicotine levels, flavors, marketing, and sales access, especially to youth. Public health campaigns could focus on educating the public about the dangers of nicotine addiction and vaping-associated health risks. Clinical interventions could develop protocols to identify and treat nicotine dependence and toxicity early, reducing emergency visits.
While specific data for Kentucky from 2018 to 2024 is not detailed in the search results, patterns of rising e-cigarette-related emergencies and youth dependence noted nationally and in many states apply and explain the local situation. Continued monitoring and targeted public health and regulatory responses are critical for mitigating this growing public health issue.
The report also finds particularly concerning increases in e-cigarette dependence-related visits among youth and young adults. The data shows a sharp rise in Kentucky resident ED visits coded with "vaping-related disorder," a diagnosis code introduced in October 2022. Visits among adults aged 25 and older more than quadrupled during the same period.
The analysis used an "any mention" approach, meaning cases were included if a nicotine-related code appeared anywhere in the medical record. ED visits only represent a small portion of total e-cigarette use, reflecting acute cases that required medical attention. The database captures emergency department encounters across the state and is a key source for monitoring substance use-related morbidity. The analysis used data from the Kentucky Outpatient Services Database, maintained by the Office of Data Analytics within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
The Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center's report highlights a worrying rise in e-cigarette dependence among Kentuckians, particularly among youth and young adults, with ED visits coded for vaping-related disorders increasing significantly. This trend is concerning as it indicates a growth in mental-health issues related to e-cigarette use and represents a danger to the health-and-wellness of the state's residents.
