The Hidden Effects of Vaping: A Study on Nasal Mucociliary Clearance

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of e-cigarette use on nasal mucociliary clearance (NMC) by comparing e-cigarette users, traditional cigarette smokers, and nonsmokers. Although numerous studies have investigated the impact of cigarettes and other tobacco products on mucociliary clearance, research specifically focusing on e-cigarettes is limited.

Methods: The study included 120 healthy participants, comprising 40 electronic cigarette users, 40 cigarette users, and 40 nonsmokers. NMC was evaluated using the saccharin test. Participants were asked to retain a saccharin particle on the inferior turbinate, and the time taken for the participant to perceive the sweet taste was recorded as the NMC time. The results were compared and analyzed statistically using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).

Results: The mean NMC time for e-cigarette users was 14.08 ± 5.99, which was significantly longer than that of nonsmokers, who had a mean NMC time of 10.80 ± 5.28 (P = .027), indicating impaired mucociliary clearance. The NMC time for cigarette smokers was 13.13 ± 6.97, which was also significantly prolonged compared to nonsmokers. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups regarding mean age.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that electronic cigarette use is associated with impairment of NMC, similar to conventional cigarette smoking. The findings suggest that e-cigarette use may have detrimental effects on the respiratory defense mechanism, potentially increasing the risk of respiratory infections and other pulmonary complications.

Keywords: E-cigarette; nasal mucociliary clearance; saccharin test; smoker; smoking.