Smokers of electronic cigarettes are 1.7 times more exposed to the dangers of wheezing than non-smokers. (image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, Mar. 5 (Korea Bizwire) — Smokers that use electronic cigarettes may be susceptible to wheezing, a recent study has showed.
Wheezing refers to a continuous, coarse, whistling sound produced in the respiratory airways during breathing.
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases are known to be the main causes of wheezing. Wheezing, if severe, may lead to pulmonary emphysema, gastroesophageal reflux, heart failure, and sleep apnea.
A research team led by Prof. Deborah J. Ossip at the University of Rochester Medical Center revealed the results of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study where more than 28,000 participants were involved.
Considering all other factors that cause wheezing, such as age, gender, weight, and exposure to indirect smoking, smokers of electronic cigarettes are 1.7 times more exposed to the dangers of wheezing than non-smokers.
The research team explained that this supports other studies claiming that aerosol and flavoring agents found in electronic cigarettes can damage lung cells by causing oxygen free radicals and inflammation.
The team emphasized, however, that the results were not based on clinical tests but on responses from participants, and that other critical factors including diet and exercise have not been taken into consideration, concluding that the study, while falling short of proving the causality between electronic cigarettes and wheezing, shows that there is a correlation between the two.
The team pointed to the various flavoring agents contained in the nicotine pod used by Juul and other electronic cigarettes as a possible cause of wheezing.
More specifically, a chemical known as diacetyl contained in certain flavoring agents with a taste of caramel or popcorn can cause damage to the lungs.
The study was been published by the latest issue of Tobacco Control.
H. M. Kang (hmkang@koreabizwire.com)
