Latest research express: What is the impact of e-cigarettes on lung health?

Unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes do not burn tobacco, so they do not produce carcinogens such as tar and carbon monoxide. But is its aerosol really safe?

Latest research: Potential effects of e-cigarettes on the lungs

1. Short-term effects: acute lung injury (EVALI)

In 2019, an outbreak of "e-cigarette-associated lung injury" (EVALI) cases broke out in the United States, resulting in thousands of hospitalizations and dozens of deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that most cases were related to vitamin E acetate added to illegal THC (cannabis ingredient) e-cigarette oils, rather than regular nicotine e-cigarettes.

Conclusion: Legal nicotine e-cigarettes have lower risks, but illegal or inferior products may cause serious lung damage.

2. Long-term effects: inflammation and decreased lung function

A 2021 study in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine showed that long-term use of e-cigarettes may cause lung inflammation and increase the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

2023 European Respiratory Journal study: E-cigarette users have worse lung function (such as FEV1) than non-smokers, but better than traditional smokers.

2024 Nature sub-journal study: E-cigarette vapor may damage alveolar macrophages (immune cells) and affect the self-cleaning ability of the lungs.

Conclusion: E-cigarettes may cause chronic inflammation and functional damage to the lungs, but the degree is less than traditional cigarettes.

E-cigarettes vs. traditional cigarettes: Which is more dangerous to the lungs?

The 2022 report of the UK Public Health Department (PHE) pointed out:

The harm of e-cigarettes is about 95% lower than that of cigarettes, but it is still not completely harmless.

For long-term smokers, switching to e-cigarettes can reduce the risk of lung disease.

But for non-smokers (especially teenagers), e-cigarettes may still pose health risks.

Real case: Changes in lung health of e-cigarette users

Case 1: Successfully quit smoking but cough (UK, 2023)

A 40-year-old male smoker successfully quit smoking after switching to e-cigarettes, but continued to have a dry cough. Lung function tests showed mild airway inflammation, and doctors recommended gradually reducing e-cigarette use.

Case 2: Improved lung function after switching from cigarettes to e-cigarettes (USA, 2022)

After a 55-year-old COPD patient switched to e-cigarettes, his lung function test (FEV1) improved, but it was still lower than the level of healthy non-smokers.

Expert advice: How to reduce the lung risks of e-cigarettes?

Avoid illegal or inferior products: choose regular brands and avoid e-liquids containing vitamin E acetate.

Gradually reduce nicotine intake: The ultimate goal is to completely get rid of nicotine dependence.

Teenagers should avoid using: to prevent affecting lung development.

Pay attention to body signals: If coughing or chest tightness occurs, seek medical attention in time.

Conclusion: E-cigarettes are not completely harmless, but the risk is lower than cigarettes

Current scientific evidence shows that:

E-cigarettes are less harmful to the lungs than traditional cigarettes and are suitable as a transition tool for quitting smoking.

Long-term use may still cause inflammation and decreased lung function, especially for high-frequency users.

Teenagers and non-smokers should avoid using them to prevent health risks.

More long-term research is needed in the future to clarify the full impact of e-cigarettes. If you are considering using e-cigarettes to quit smoking, it is recommended to consult a doctor and develop a scientific plan.