Are we with e-cigarette as a friend or against it as a foe?

Abstract

Abstract Background and aim Cigarette smoking is the most important cause of avoidable premature mortality in the world, and quitting is known to reduce the risk of fatal diseases. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are becoming increasingly popular, especially among younger adults; they may be effective aids to smoking cessation. Despite the increasing prevalence of e-cigarette use, little is known about their realworld use. The major concerns include the nicotine content and the potential harm due to the high concentrations of propylene glycol, chemicals, and other compounds found in the e-cigarette vapor. To our knowledge, there are no data on the health effects of acute use of nicotine-free e-cigarettes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the immediate effect of ecigarette vapors on airway mechanics. Participants and methods Forty apparently healthy neversmokers or light smokers were divided into two groups. The first group was instructed to ‘vape’ e-cigarettes with a 12-mg nicotine-filled cartridge, and the second group was asked to ‘vape’ e-cigarettes with an empty cartridge. Pulmonary function tests were assessed before and after ‘vaping’. Results There was a significant increase in peripheral airway resistance of the first group, in which individuals vaped a nicotine-filled cartridge. Conclusion There is potential for more permanent changes in lung function with long-term exposure to e-cigarettes, as with cigarette smoking.

Keywords

• electronic cigarette
• nicotine
• pulmonary function test
• smoking
• tobacco
• vape