Two UHNM paediatric consultants have helped lead a major review into the impact of vaping on children and young people.

Professor Will Carroll, consultant paediatrician and Dr Francis Gilchrist, consultant in paediatric respiratory medicine, both based at Staffordshire Children's Hospital at Royal Stoke, have co-authored a review led by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).

The review found clear links between vaping and respiratory health problems and compelling evidence that young people who vape are more likely to go on to smoke cigarettes.

As part of the review more than 14,000 published articles were examined, 325 full-text studies were accessed and evidence gathered from 81 studies.

It was discovered that there has been an increase in children and young people vaping in the past ten years, with a sharp rise in regular use.

Additionally, it was found that young people who vape are more likely to experience breathing problems, including coughs, wheezing, bronchitis symptoms and asthma attacks and are more likely to go on to smoke cigarettes.

Researchers also identified possible links between vaping and poor oral health, anxiety and depression.

New evidence also suggests that vaping may impact sleep, eye health and allergies, as well as pose risks to babies exposed to nicotine during pregnancy.

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Professor Carroll said: "Vaping should not be seen as a harmless part of growing up.

"The evidence shows clear links with respiratory symptoms, nicotine dependence and subsequent cigarette smoking, while concerns about wider impacts on young people's health continue to grow.

"We must act to make vaping less attractive and accessible to children.

"As stated in our recent State of Child Health report, this should include limiting flavours, bringing packaging into line with tobacco products and restricting how vaping products are displayed."