Electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes are the latest way to stop smoking by getting your nicotine fix this way. They have been on the market since 2007. E-cigarettes look, feel and taste like the real thing. They are battery powered devices that contain nicotine mixed with flavor and other chemicals in a cartridge. Each cartridge is equal to 12 - 20 cigarettes depending on your smoking style. When you take a puff and exhale, an odorless, water-vapor cloud that looks like smoke is emitted but it is not smoke. For that reason, E cigarettes are sometimes called smokeless cigarettes since they do not produce real smoke. Be warned, these products have not been tested by the FDA, therefore, they do not contain any warning labels as similar products containing nicotine.

Modern, microelectronics are what make these cigarettes possible. The body is a tube containing a cartridge and an atomization chamber, a smart chip controller and a rechargeable, lithium battery. In the front is a LED light that simulate burning tobacco like that of an actual cigarette. Heat is generated by ultrasound to heat the liquid inside the cartridge to vaporize or to atomize the liquid to produce the smoke. The user gets the physical sensation and nicotine hit that smokers crave. It gives you the full effect of smoking real tobacco smoke and without second hand irritation.

There are already other alternatives to aid you to stop smoking the real thing such as nicotine patches,  nicotine lozenges, and nicotine gum. Let do a side by side comparison of two of these products with the e-cigarettes

• No tobacco means no tar or other toxic substances .
• No second-hand smoke, so you’re not harming those around you either.
• Legal to smoke anywhere. Many countries now ban smoking in most public places, but as no tobacco is being burnt, you can enjoy your Electronic Cigarette just about anywhere!
• Much cheaper than smoking traditional cigarettes. Some people report savings of 50% or more.
• Different cartridge strengths means you can lower your nicotine intake over time.
• Their design offers a similar experience to smoking a normal cigarette. Many people who try nicotine patches and gum find they miss the act of smoking.
• No unpleasant smell. They are mostly odorless.
• Wide range of flavors available. From regular tobacco to chocolate, there’s a flavor out there for everybody.
• Nicotine cravings are satisfied faster than they would be by a patch or gum.
• Clean and easy to use – no lighter, matches or ashtray required!

Check with your doctor before using any nicotine product.