The electronic cigarette has become an increasingly popular alternative to the traditional cigarette. An electronic cigarette delivers doses of nicotine or non-nicotine vapor to be inhaled by the user. It is battery-powered and does not give off smoke.

An electronic cigarette consists of three main parts, namely, a mouthpiece, a heating element or atomizer and a rechargeable battery.

When a user draws on the end of the tube, a sensor that detects air flow injects a small amount of fluid from a cartridge into the heating element or atomizer which vaporizes the liquid. Users then inhale the water-based vapor that may or may not contain nicotine. The electronic cigarette simulates the experience of smoking a real cigarette. Most electronic cigarette models feature a LED light at the tip of the device which activates every time a user inhales. This simulates the glow of an actual cigarette, giving users a more realistic experience. The LED light will also indicate if a user has taken too long of a drag.

Electronic cigarette cartridges come in a range of flavors, such as regular tobacco, menthol, coffee, caramel, vanilla, apple, cherry and strawberry.

Nicotine solutions come in various strengths such as zero nicotine, light, medium and full. This allows the user to choose the amount of nicotine to be taken in. Some people believe that this makes the electronic cigarette helpful for those people who want to quit smoking. Users can gradually reduce the nicotine strength they use until they are able to quit completely.

Electronic cigarettes can also appeal to smokers who don’t necessarily aim to quit smoking, yet want a better way of smoking that does not include the negative health effects.  However, clinical studies and toxicity analyses have not been conducted to substantiate the claims that the electronic cigarette is an effective way to quit smoking. There are no medically-endorsed programs associated with electronic cigarettes, but for those who crave and look and feel of a cigarette, there’s no doubt that electronic cigarettes are a better option.  They assist the user in satisfying that psychological craving to have something in your hand with the same look and feel as you’re used to.  As many believe that the psychological elements of smoking are equally difficult to overcome as the physical elements, electronic cigarettes have clear benefits over other quit-smoking methods.

Many also assert that the electronic cigarette has an advantage over nicotine patches and gums. It lets users have the nicotine hit in seconds rather than minutes. Smokers also miss the act of inhaling smoke, something nicotine patches and gums do not provide. That is why some smokers fail in their attempt to quit smoking using nicotine patches and gums. The electronic cigarette creates the same oral fixation and tactile sensation that smokers desire. It fulfills the nicotine needs of smokers, without the deadly side effects of traditional cigarette smoking.

Because of these advantages, many people believe that the electronic cigarette can help a person stop smoking.