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The Egyptian Journal of Bronchology
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Are we with e-cigarette as a friend or against it as a foe?

Egyptian Journal of Bronchology volume 10, pages 348–354 (2016)Cite this article

Abstract

Background and aim

Cigarette smoking is the most important cause of avoidable premature mortality in the world, and quitting is known to reduce the risk of fatal diseases. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are becoming increasingly popular, especially among younger adults; they may be effective aids to smoking cessation. Despite the increasing prevalence of e-cigarette use, little is known about their realworld use. The major concerns include the nicotine content and the potential harm due to the high concentrations of propylene glycol, chemicals, and other compounds found in the e-cigarette vapor. To our knowledge, there are no data on the health effects of acute use of nicotine-free e-cigarettes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the immediate effect of ecigarette vapors on airway mechanics.

Participants and methods

Forty apparently healthy neversmokers or light smokers were divided into two groups. The first group was instructed to ‘vape’ e-cigarettes with a 12-mg nicotine-filled cartridge, and the second group was asked to ‘vape’ e-cigarettes with an empty cartridge. Pulmonary function tests were assessed before and after ‘vaping’.

Results

There was a significant increase in peripheral airway resistance of the first group, in which individuals vaped a nicotine-filled cartridge.

Conclusion

There is potential for more permanent changes in lung function with long-term exposure to e-cigarettes, as with cigarette smoking.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chest Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, 43 Gol Gamal Street, Fayoum, Elmohandseen, Giza, 12654, Egypt

    Radwa A. Elhefny (MD), Mohamed A. Ali & Assem F. Elessawy

  2. Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt

    Esam G. El-Rab

Authors
  1. Radwa A. Elhefny
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  2. Mohamed A. Ali
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  3. Assem F. Elessawy
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  4. Esam G. El-Rab
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Correspondence to Radwa A. Elhefny.

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Elhefny, R.A., Ali, M.A., Elessawy, A.F. et al. Are we with e-cigarette as a friend or against it as a foe?. Egypt J Bronchol 10, 348–354 (2016). https://doi.org/10.4103/1687-8426.193630

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/1687-8426.193630

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