Title : Impact of Vaping and Smoking on Maximum Respiratory Pressures and Respiratory Function .
Mohammad Darabseh
Introduction : It is well-known that cigarette smoking is harmful to the human body . The effects of electroniccigarette use ( vaping ), marketed as a healthier alternative to cigarette smoking , on lung function in particular remain equivocal . Therefore , this study aims to assess and compare the effects of electronic cigarette use and cigarette smoking on maximum respiratory pressures , respiratory function and carboxyhaemoglobin ( HbCO ) levels .
Methods : Forty-four young healthy participants were recruited : Vapers ( n = 12 ; 6 M / 6 W ) who had used e-cigarettes daily for ≥ 1year ( 1.67 ± 1.00 years ), Cigarette smokers ( n = 14 ; 8 M / 6 W ) who had smoked daily for 4.86 ± 2.49 years with a smoking history of 2.29 ± 1.88 pack years , and people who had never vaped nor smoked ( control ) group ( n = 18 ; 9 M / 9 W ). Spirometry , maximum respiratory pressures and carboxyhaemoglobin levels were measured .
Results : Men had a higher Forced expiratory volume in the first second ( FEV1 ), Forced vital capacity ( FVC ), Peak expiratory flow ( PEF ), Forced expiratory flow at 25 % of FVC ( FEF25 %), FEF25-75 %, Maximal inspiratory pressure ( MIP ) and Maximal expiratory pressure ( MEP ) than woman ( p < 0.05 ). Controls had higher FEV1 , PEF , FEV1 / FVC , FEF25 %, FEF25-75 %, FEF25-75pred % and lower HbCO % than vapers and cigarette smokers ( p < 0.05 ). FEV1pred % was lower in smokers than in controls ( p < 0.01 ). Vapers and smokers did not differ significantly in FEV1 , FEV1pred %, PEF , FEV1 / FVC , FEF25 %, FEF75 %, FEF25-75 %, FEF25-75pred % and HbCO % ( p < 0.05 ). Maximum respiratory pressures did not differ significantly between the three groups .
Conclusion : E-cigarette use has similar detrimental effects as cigarette smoking on pulmonary function and may thus not be a healthier alternative to smoking .
Impact : Electronic cigarette use ( vaping ) is marketed as a safer alternative to cigarette smoking and is considered more socially acceptable than smoking . However , the perception that vaping is less harmful is not based on a solid scientific evidence .
Our research suggests that vaping causes similar impairments in respiratory function to smoking , suggesting that vaping may not be as safe alternative to smoking as generally thought .
Vaping is a major concern for the public health sector nowadays . The findings of this study might add an evidence to reveal the impact of vaping . Also , to guide patients , clinicians , members of the public and healthcare / public or private services on taking the appropriate decisions and build the suitable protocols and guidelines for vaping and smoking cessation , including rehabilitation , education and support programs .