A new study published in Nicotine and Tobacco Research has found that smokers who switched from cigarettes to e-cigarettes experienced significant improvements in respiratory health. Researchers analyzed data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study, a large-scale, national survey of tobacco use conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to determine how different nicotine use behaviors impact respiratory symptoms over time.
The study included adult participants who exclusively smoked cigarettes at the onset of the research and reported common respiratory symptoms such as coughing and wheezing. Researchers divided the subjects into four groups: those who quit nicotine entirely, those who switched exclusively to vaping, those who continued to smoke cigarettes only, and those who took up both smoking and vaping simultaneously.
Exclusive E-Cigarette Use Reduces Wheezing, but Not Cough
Results showed that participants who transitioned entirely to e-cigarettes experienced a significant reduction in wheezing symptoms, a commonly reported side effect of smoking. Among the 5,367 individuals with wheezing at the start of the study, 53% reported relief. However, the study did not find a significant improvement in cough resolution among those who switched exclusively to vaping.
In contrast, participants who continued to smoke, even with added vaping, did not see an improvement in respiratory health and, in some cases, experienced worsening symptoms. Dual users who maintained or increased their smoking habits had a 14% and 15% lower rate of cough and wheeze resolution, respectively, compared to those who switched exclusively to vaping.
Quitting Nicotine Altogether Offers Greatest Benefit
The data also highlighted that reducing smoking intensity while adding e-cigarettes did not produce respiratory benefits. Individuals who quit nicotine altogether demonstrated the greatest improvement in respiratory symptoms, suggesting that the complete cessation of nicotine intake, in all forms of smoking, may be the most beneficial strategy for resolving respiratory issues.
Among the 5,210 participants with a baseline cough, 65% saw improvements when quitting nicotine entirely.
Lung Cancer Remains a Significant Health Concern
Lung cancer remains one of the most common cancers in the United States, accounting for approximately one in four cancer deaths. While rates have gradually declined in recent years due to a reduction in cigarette smoking, improved awareness, and new preventive measures, lung cancer still has one of the highest mortality rates among all forms of the disease.
Smoking is the primary risk factor for lung cancer, but other factors like radon exposure, air pollution, and genetic predispositions also contribute. Disparities exist across demographics, with higher rates often observed in low-income and certain racial and ethnic populations, underscoring the need for targeted prevention and early detection efforts.
The study provides an essential perspective on harm reduction in tobacco use, emphasizing the benefits of transitioning from cigarettes to e-cigarettes rather than adding vaping to an existing smoking habit. However, quitting nicotine completely remains the most effective approach for improving respiratory health.
- Teen Zyn Use Soars as Vaping Declines Slightly: Study - May 2, 2025
- Uzbekistan Senate Approves Ban on E-cigarette Import and Sale - April 30, 2025
- Louisiana Lawmakers Propose Higher Vape Taxes - April 25, 2025