Electronic cigarettes: not an advantageous alternative to conventional smoking in asthma

Abstract

Background Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have become increasingly popular as an alternative to cigarette smoking, but little is known about their potential adverse effects on airway inflammatory cells and lung function. Objectives This study aimed to differentiate among nonsmoker asthmatics, asthmatics smokers who use conventional cigarettes, and asthmatics smokers who consume e-cigarettes regarding asthma control test, lung function, blood eosinophils, and airway immunoinflammatory phenotype. Patients and methods A total of 130 asthmatic patients were recruited from the Outpatient Clinic of Chest Department of the October 6 University Hospital. Participating individuals were classified into three main categories: nonsmokers, current conventional cigarette smokers, and e-cigarette smokers. All included participants underwent both spirometry and differential cell count in their induced sputum. A venous blood sample was withdrawn for eosinophil counts, which were obtained from the automated complete blood counts. Results There were significant differences between the nonsmoker group and both conventional and e-cigarette smoker groups regarding spirometry and distribution of sputum cell subtypes. Conclusion This study deduced that asthmatic smoker patients who smoke e-cigarettes develop mixed sputum subtype, with no disparity with conventional smokers regarding the pulmonary function and asthma control. These data challenge the concept that e-cigarettes are a healthier alternative to conventional cigarettes.