Nicotine policy approach could save 26,000 emergency room visits per year
Nicotine use is responsible for 26,500 emergency room visits per year and may play a role in nearly 193,000 other visits. Targeted policies could significantly reduce the pressure on emergency care.
The research
In November 2025, the LUMC investigated the link between nicotine use and emergency department visits at 67 Dutch emergency departments. Patients aged 12 and older were asked about their nicotine use in order to gain more insight and awareness about this issue. During the VAP-ED flash mob study day, 2,061 questionnaires were completed, out of a total of 4,314 emergency department visits. The results show that effective nicotine policies can contribute to reducing pressure on emergency care.
The results
The study shows that 21 per cent of patients used nicotine products. Of this group, 86% smoked cigarettes, 9% used vapes and 9% smoked cigars or cigarillos. In addition, 5% used other nicotine products, such as snus and sahag. 10% of users combined multiple products.
Doctors concluded that in 7% of nicotine users, the symptoms were entirely attributable to nicotine use. In 44% of cases, nicotine may have played a role, either wholly or in part, particularly in cases of lung symptoms.
Nicotine use among young people
The study involved 223 young people and young adults aged between 12 and 25. Of those aged between 12 and 18, 17% used nicotine products, compared to 35% of those aged between 18 and 25. In 17 cases, the symptoms were possibly related to nicotine use.
The study emphasises that effective policies against nicotine use not only reduce the pressure on emergency departments, but that emergency departments themselves can also play a key role by actively supporting patients in quitting smoking, thereby improving their health and reducing visits.
