Summary
Introduction:
This text summarizes a scientific study that examines the impact of vaping and smoking on maximum respiratory pressures and respiratory function in young, healthy participants. The study compares vapers, cigarette smokers, and a control group who had never vaped or smoked, and assessed their spirometry, maximum respiratory pressures, and carboxyhaemoglobin levels. The study aimed to determine if vaping has less detrimental effects on pulmonary function than smoking.
Key points:
* The study included 44 participants, divided into three groups: vapers, cigarette smokers, and a control group.
* Spirometry, maximum respiratory pressures, and carboxyhaemoglobin levels were measured for each participant.
* Both smoking and vaping were associated with lower Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), Peak expiratory flow, FEV1/Forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC), Forced expiratory flow at 25%, 25-75% of FVC, FEF25-75pred%, and higher carboxyhaemoglobin% compared to the control group.
* In smokers, but not in vapers, FEV1pred% was lower than in controls.
* MRP did not differ significantly between the three groups.
* Vaping has similar detrimental effects as smoking on pulmonary function, and may not be a healthier alternative to smoking.
Main message:
The study suggests that vaping has similar negative effects on pulmonary function as smoking, and thus may not be a healthier alternative. This finding is important because the popularity of vaping has increased significantly among youth, raising concerns about the creation of a new generation of nicotine-dependent individuals who may easily transition to cigarette smoking. Public health England's claim that e-cigarettes are 95% safer than cigarette smoking is far from clear, and more research is needed to fully understand the health impacts of vaping.
Citation
Darabseh MZ, Selfe J, Morse CI, Degens h. Impact of vaping and smoking on maximum respiratory pressures and respiratory function. International Journal of adolescence and Youth. 2021;26(1):421-431. doi:10.1080/02673843.2021.1976235
