E-cigarette vapor may worsen COPD. A new study demonstrates exposure-related death of human airway smooth muscle cells and other toxic effects.
Because e-cigarettes (ECs) have generally been thought to be safer than combustible cigarettes, people with COPD may switch to them in an effort to curtail or quit smoking. As of yet, however, there are no data demonstrating that ECs are a less harmful alternative to smoking. In fact, preliminary research suggests that ECs may lead to inflammation, emphysema, and increase the risk for COPD and infection.1-4Â (Continued below)