Short‐term respiratory effects of e‐cigarettes in healthy individuals and smokers with asthma

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of a study examining the respiratory effects of electronic cigarette smoking (ECS) on healthy individuals and smokers with mild asthma. The study aims to determine the duration of the immediate pulmonary effects of ECS and compare its impact on healthy smokers and those with asthma. The findings have implications for asthma management and tobacco control.

Key Points:

* The study used new-generation e-cigarettes and liquid with 12 mg/mL nicotine concentration.
* Participants were divided into two groups: healthy smokers (HS) and smokers with mild asthma (MA).
* The study measured impulse oscillometry system (IOS) parameters and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) before and after control and experimental sessions.
* The control session revealed no significant changes, but the experimental session showed a significant increase in respiratory system total impedance, resistance, reactance, and resonant frequency immediately after ECS in both groups.
* MA exhibited higher baseline values and a more prominent effect immediately after ECS compared with HS for Z5, R5, and RIO.
* FeNO decreased significantly in both groups, but HS returned to baseline values in 15 minutes, while the MA maintained significantly lower values for an additional 15 minutes.
* The study suggests that ECS has immediate mechanical and inflammatory consequences in smokers, with more prominent duration and intensity in MA, and ECS and MA also had synergistic effects on respiratory function.

Main Message:
The study highlights the immediate respiratory effects of ECS on healthy individuals and smokers with mild asthma. The findings suggest that ECS has more significant and prolonged effects on individuals with asthma, with implications for asthma management and tobacco control. It is crucial to regulate and educate the public about the potential risks of ECS, especially for vulnerable populations like those with respiratory conditions.

Lappas, Andreas S., Anna S. Tzortzi, Efstathia M. Konstantinidi, Stephanie I. Teloniatis, Chara K. Tzavara, Sofia A. Gennimata, Nikolaos G. Koulouris, and Panagiotis K. Behrakis. “Short‐term Respiratory Effects of E‐cigarettes in Healthy Individuals and Smokers with Asthma.” Respirology 23, no. 3 (March 2018): 291–97. https://doi.org/10.1111/resp.13180.