The European Respiratory Society (ERS), an international non-profit organisation for respiratory medicine professionals, hosted a significant presentation on 8 September at its annual conference. Dr Azmy Faisal from Manchester Metropolitan University unveiled the results of a study that may debunk the common belief and marketing claims that vaping is 'healthier' than smoking traditional cigarettes.

Study uncovers respiratory problems in young vapers

The study involved 60 participants in their 20s who had their lung capacity measured while riding a stationary exercise bike. The group was divided equally between non-smokers, individuals who had vaped for at least two years, and those who had smoked regular cigarettes for at least two years. When vapers and smokers were tested during intense exercise, both groups were found to be less fit and more out of breath than those who neither smoked nor vaped.

Vapers demonstrated an average 'peak exercise capacity' of 186 watts, closely matching that of smokers (182 watts) but significantly lower than non-smokers (226 watts). The test measured the maximum energy output a person could achieve. Furthermore, both vapers and smokers showed reduced oxygen intake—2.7 litres and 2.6 litres per minute, respectively—compared to non-smokers, who took in 3 litres per minute.

Vapers have the same reduced exercise and lung capacity as smokers

"The study adds to growing evidence that long-term use of vaping is harmful and challenges the idea that vaping could be a healthier alternative to smoking", said Faisal and his co-authors of the study at the ERS conference in Vienna. "Both vapers and smokers showed signs that their blood vessels were not working as well as the non-smoking and non-vaping group, according to the blood tests and ultrasound scans."

"The smokers and the vapers were more out of breath, experienced intense leg fatigue and had higher levels of lactate in their blood, a sign of muscle fatigue, even before they reached their maximum level of exercise," Dr Faisal added.

Dr Filippos Filippidis, the ERS’s tobacco control committee chair, said: "Doctors and policymakers need to know about the risks of vaping, and we should be doing all we can to support children and young people to avoid or quit vaping."

Source: theguardian.com