According to a study in Turkey, young adults who use both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes concurrently showed poorer lung function and more pronounced dyspnea (shortness of breath) than those who smoke exclusively.
In a multicenter cross-sectional study, researchers examined the respiratory and physical exertion indicators of 152 adults in Turkey between November 2023 and February 2025. Participants were divided into three groups: those who use both e-cigarettes and traditional tobacco products (dual users), daily smokers, and never-smokers. The analysis utilized spirometry, maximum respiratory pressure (PImax/PEmax), the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), as well as the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) and the Borg Dyspnea Scale.
Data indicated that nicotine dependence was higher among dual users than among daily smokers (FTND 4.19 ± 1.57 vs. 2.63 ± 1.71; p < 0.001). During lung function tests, dual users had lower FVC and FEV1 values than both control groups (all p ≤ 0.002). Maximum expiratory pressure (PEmax) showed a decrease compared to smokers (-16.50 cmH2O; p = 0.01) and non-smokers (-29.35 cmH2O; p < 0.001). After the exertion walk test, dyspnea of grade 3 or higher occurred in 36.2% of dual users, compared to 15.4% of smokers.
The authors summarized that persistent dual use is associated with a more unfavorable respiratory profile and a higher symptom burden than exclusive daily cigarette smoking. However, they emphasized that the cross-sectional design and the presence of concurrent traditional smoking limit the generalizability of these associations.
In brief
- A Turkish study of 152 participants compared the respiratory function of dual users, exclusive smokers, and non-smokers.
- Dual users achieved higher nicotine dependence scores as well as significantly lower FVC and FEV1 values.
- The rate of post-exertion dyspnea and fatigue was highest in the concurrent use group.
- Limitations of the study include its cross-sectional nature and the concurrent smoking of traditional cigarettes.
Source: PubMed (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
This summary was generated by artificial intelligence based on the original article.