The research team aimed to determine the presence of respiratory symptoms by asking questions regarding wheezing and nighttime cough at a cutoff score associated with poorer functional health status. They then compared the responses with past 30-day tobacco use in never-tobacco users (reference) vs. combustible users, noncombustible-only users, and former users; or frequency of use of cigarettes and/or e-cigarettes.
The compiled data indicated that smoking cigarettes, marijuana use, and secondhand smoke exposure were cross-sectionally associated with functionally-important respiratory symptoms in adolescents/young adults. Moreover, the risk increased with the frequency of cigarette use but not e-cigarette use.
“Functionally-important respiratory symptoms were present in 10.0% overall: 13.8% of combustible users, 9.0% of noncombustible users, 8.2% of noncurrent users and 9.7% of never users. Functionally-important respiratory symptoms were associated with combustible tobacco use (relative risk [RR]=1.52[95% CI 1.29, 1.80]), marijuana use (RR=1.54[1.34, 1.77]) and secondhand smoke exposure (RR=1.04[1.03, 1.05]). Higher cigarette smoking frequency was also associated with functionally-important respiratory symptoms for frequency categories >14 days/month (e.g. RR=1.93[1.50, 2.49] for 15-29 days/month). Frequency of e-cigarette use was not associated with functionally-important respiratory symptoms,” explained the study Abstract.
Multiple studies confirm that vaping is much safer than smoking
An earlier study by award winning and renowned expert in respiratory health and tobacco harm reduction, Prof. Riccardo Polosa titled “Health effects in COPD smokers who switch to electronic cigarettes: a retrospective-prospective 3-year follow-up”, had indicated that patients suffering from the serious Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and had completely switched from cigarettes to e-cigarettes, reported improved respiratory symptoms. Meanwhile those who continued to smoke, experienced no change in either measure of disease severity.
Similarly, a comprehensive review also conducted by Polosa in August 2019, which was carried out with the aim of analysing the effects of vaping on lung health in comparison to those of smoking, had indicated once again that vaping is much less damaging to the lungs than smoking.
“We critically assess published research on the respiratory system investigating the effects of ECs in pre-clinical models, clinical studies of people who switched to ECs from tobacco cigarettes, and population surveys. We assess the studies for the quality of their methodology and accuracy of their interpretation. To adequately assess the impact of EC use on human health, addressing common mistakes and developing robust and realistic methodological recommendations is an urgent priority,” read the study Abstract.
Smokers Who Quit Before Age 45 Significantly Reduce Risk of Lung Cancer
