Vaping: The Spit Test

The use of e-cigarettes, also known as vaping, is gaining in popularity, especially among young adults. I wouldn’t recommend it because the research is incomplete; here’s the latest study.

Researchers recruited subjects for three groups: 15 non-smokers, 14 e-cigarette users, and 15 cigarette smokers. The researchers had the subjects spit into sterile containers. Then they examined the sputum for abnormalities between the groups.

E-cigarette users had increases in stress proteins usually associated with cigarette smoking. Defense proteins that are generally associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were elevated in e-cigarette uses as well. Vapers also had an increase in sputum components associated with an immune response typically found in cigarette smokers. Finally, proteins generally associated with thicker sputum similar to that found in cigarette smokers were also found in e-cigarette users.

Reduced antioxidant levels. COPD. Alterations in immune function. Thicker spit. Yes, this was a small study. Yes, these are only factors associated with serious lung disorders, not the disorders themselves. But do you see anything that seems to indicate vaping doesn’t have serious risks? You can wait until the research shows the hazards or you can quit vaping now. Your lungs. Your body. Your choice.

What are you prepared to do today?

Dr. Chet

P.S. Get all the info on vaping in one place on the Health Info page under Basic Health Info: “Should You Vape?”

 

Reference: https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.201708-1590OC.