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Research Article

Comparative Analysis of Pulmonary Health among Traditional Smokers, Non-Smokers and E-cigarette Users: A Cross-sectional Study

Ayaz Ali*, Jhoset Molinares Hernandez, Anwar Ali, Kinjal Shah, Muzamil Khan, Sidra Kamal, Meibrahim, Ruchira Clementina, Mubashir Ali Aftab and Afaq Ahmad

Corresponding Author: Ayaz Ali, Internal Medicine, Khyber Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan.

Received: July 17, 2024 ;    Revised: July 28, 2024 ;    Accepted: July 31, 2024 ;   Available Online: August 14, 2024

Citation: Ali A, Hernandez JM, Ali A, Shah K, Khan M, et al. (2024) Comparative Analysis of Pulmonary Health among Traditional Smokers, Non-Smokers and E-cigarette Users: A Cross-sectional Study. J Oral Health Dent Res, 4(2): 1-9.

Copyrights: ©2024 Ali A, Hernandez JM, Ali A, Shah K, Khan M, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

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Background: Respiratory diseases represent a major global health challenge, with smoking being a primary risk factor. The emergence of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) as an alternative nicotine delivery system has sparked concerns about their potential impact on pulmonary health. Understanding these risks is crucial for effective public health policies and interventions.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are battery-operated devices that heat a liquid (e-liquid) to generate an aerosol, which users inhale. This aerosol typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. While marketed as safer alternatives to traditional cigarettes, the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes remain uncertain, particularly concerning respiratory health. Studies have suggested links between e-cigarette use and respiratory symptoms, but comprehensive research comparing their effects with traditional smoking is limited.

Methods: Conducted at the University of Peshawar, Pakistan, this study employed a cross-sectional design to analyze data from adults aged 18 years and older. Participants were categorized into three groups based on their smoking habits: e-cigarette users, traditional smokers, and non-smokers. Sampling techniques included random and snowball sampling methods. Data collection involved structured questionnaires to assess smoking behaviors and respiratory symptoms, complemented by clinical assessments such as pulmonary function tests.

Results: Among the study's participants (mean age 30.67 years; 80% male), a significant proportion reported using e-cigarettes (53.3%), and traditional cigarettes (26.7%) or were non-smokers (20%). Analysis revealed a high prevalence of respiratory symptoms among e-cigarette users, including frequent coughing (100%), shortness of breath (100%), and diagnoses of obstructive lung diseases (86.1%). Comparative analyses demonstrated statistically significant differences in respiratory health outcomes across the three smoking groups (p < 0.001), highlighting distinct risks associated with each category.

Discussion: The findings underscore the substantial respiratory risks associated with emerging e-cigarette technologies, comparable in magnitude to those seen with traditional smoking. Socioeconomic factors appeared to influence smoking behaviors, suggesting targeted interventions are necessary to address these disparities effectively. This study contributes valuable insights into the complex interplay between e-cigarette use, respiratory health, and public health policy, calling for continued research and evidence-based regulatory measures.

Conclusion: In conclusion, this cross-sectional study provides compelling evidence of significant respiratory risks associated with emerging e-cigarette technologies. The findings emphasize the urgent need for further research to elucidate long-term health effects and inform comprehensive public health strategies aimed at reducing the prevalence and impact of e-cigarette use on pulmonary health.

Keywords: E-cigarettes, Pulmonary health, Respiratory symptoms, Cross-sectional study, University of Peshawar

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