Introduction:Currently, e-cigarettes are often perceived as less harmful than combustible cigarettes, which has contributed to a significant increase in the number of e-cigarette users.Therefore, it is necessary to study the detrimental effects and health consequences associated with e-cigarettes and to ascertain whether e-cigarettes are less dangerous than combustible cigarettes.The present study aims to investigate the impact of e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes on spirometry, DLCO, and respiratory muscle strength. Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in 123 participants who were divided into three groups: The e-cigarette group, the combustible cigarette group, and the control group.They underwent spirometry, DLCO, and respiratory muscle strength testing.Results: E-cigarette users demonstrated significantly lower FEV1/FVC ratio, FEF25-75%, and MEP compared with controls (p < 0.05).They also showed significantly lower PEF, MIP, and MEP relative to combustible cigarette smokers (p < 0.05).Although DLCO parameters did not differ significantly among groups, e-cigarette users consistently exhibited the lowest mean DLCO values.Additionally, most spirometry, DLCO, and respiratory muscle strength parameters in the e-cigarette group were lower than the normal reference values.Conclusions: E-cigarette use was associated with reduced pulmonary function, including lower FEV1/FVC ratio, FEF25-75%, PEF, MIP, and MEP.Most pulmonary function parameters in the e-cigarette group showed the lowest mean values and were below normative reference ranges.These findings suggest potential detrimental effects of e-cigarette use on respiratory health more than combustible cigarettes, emphasizing the need for raised awareness about e-cigarettes.
Charoenwatanasuksom et al. (Fri,) studied this question.