Summary: A comprehensive U.S. study reveals that smokers who completely switch to e-cigarettes experience better respiratory health, while those who both vape and smoke see no improvements or worsening symptoms. The research tracked over 5,000 participants’ coughing and wheezing symptoms over six years.
Published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research, November 12, 2024. DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntae224 | Reading time: 5 minutes
When smokers completely switch to e-cigarettes, their breathing problems can improve significantly. However, trying to do both – smoking traditional cigarettes while also vaping – may actually make respiratory symptoms worse, according to new research.
The findings come from a six-year study tracking over 5,000 American adults who initially reported smoking cigarettes and experiencing respiratory problems like coughing or wheezing.
Clear Patterns in Breathing Problems
Researchers from Oxford University Press analyzed data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study, conducted by the National Institutes of Health between 2013 and 2019. They divided participants into four distinct groups based on their nicotine use patterns.
Among the 5,210 participants who started with a cough, 3,362 (65%) experienced resolution of their symptoms. Of 5,367 people who initially reported wheezing, 2,862 (53%) saw improvements.
The best outcomes were seen in those who quit nicotine entirely. The second-best results came from those who completely switched to e-cigarettes, with significant improvements in wheezing symptoms.
The Dangers of Dual Use
The study revealed concerning results for “dual users” – those who both smoke and vape. People who added e-cigarettes while maintaining their regular smoking habits saw their respiratory symptoms worsen.
The negative impact was substantial: dual users showed 14% lower rates of cough resolution and 15% lower rates of wheeze improvement compared to exclusive cigarette smokers, even when they reduced their cigarette consumption.
Implications for Public Health
These findings have significant implications for smokers considering e-cigarettes as a cessation tool. While completely switching to vaping appears beneficial for respiratory health, the research suggests that partial switching may be counterproductive.
The study supports complete transition strategies rather than gradual approaches that maintain dual use of both products.
Glossary of Terms
- Dual Use: The practice of using both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes
- Longitudinal Study: Research that follows the same subjects over an extended period
- PATH Study: Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health study, a national research project tracking tobacco use in the United States
- Respiratory Symptoms: Health issues affecting breathing, such as coughing and wheezing
- Smoking Cessation: The process of quitting smoking
Test Your Knowledge
- Q: What percentage of participants with an initial cough saw their symptoms improve?
A: 65% - Q: How much lower were the rates of cough resolution in dual users compared to exclusive smokers?
A: 14% lower - Q: Over what time period did the PATH study track participants?
A: Between 2013 and 2019 (six years) - Q: Which group saw the best improvement in respiratory symptoms?
A: Those who quit nicotine entirely
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