Do electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) damage the lungs? E-cigarette series 2

Electronic cigarettes are marketed as helping people quit smoking and as a healthy alternative. But how healthy an alternative are they?

Most have a cartridge, battery and atomizer. The cartridge contains liquid heated and vaporized by the atomizer, which users inhale as with conventional smoking. Users can determine nicotine intake, and some prefer nicotine-free devices. They are widely marketed as effective for smoking cessation, but doctors are divided about them.

Are e-cigarettes really a healthy way to quit smoking?

A study published in the European Respiratory Journal examined short-term effects. It enrolled 32 volunteers: 8 had never smoked, while 24 were regular smokers. Among the volunteers, 11 had normal lung function and 13 had asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Researchers performed spirometry to observe what happens after inhaling e-cigarette smoke for 10 minutes. Spirometry is an office-based test for diagnosing asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and certain conditions affecting breathing. It is also used during chronic lung disease testing to check how well the lungs function. It measures how much air you inhale and exhale, and how much you exhale at what speed. Below-average values indicate lungs are not functioning as well as they should.

The study found that 10 minutes of e-cigarette use immediately increased airway resistance. The main results were:

• In never-smokers, 10 minutes of use significantly increased airway resistance.
• Among regular smokers, 10 minutes of use likewise significantly increased airway resistance.
• Among COPD and asthma patients, a single 10-minute use produced no significant increase.

In conclusion, researchers reported a significant increase in airway resistance associated with e-cigarettes, warning that the device could cause immediate harm.

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