Asthma: can you vape?

Do e-cigarettes and asthma go well together? That is the question we are asking today. To answer it, we will look at what asthma is, what its aggravating factors are, and whether vaping is one of them. Many of you are wondering whether or not you can vape if you have asthma! We have put together some information on this subject to help you see things more clearly!

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects millions of people worldwide. This condition is characterised by persistent inflammation of the bronchi, which can lead to breathlessness attacks sometimes so severe that they require the use of an inhaler, such as Ventolin. Typical symptoms include difficulty breathing, a persistent cough, and an oppressive feeling in the chest. It is important to note that asthma is a progressive disease that can intensify over time, becoming increasingly bothersome. Common triggers include allergies and stress.

What are the effects of tobacco on asthma?

The use of tobacco is indeed strongly discouraged for individuals with asthma or other respiratory problems. With regard to asthma sufferers and traditional cigarette smokers, the immune defences in the bronchi are destroyed due to the toxicity of the inhaled substances. Despite this, unwanted particles are not entirely blocked.

When a smoker stops consuming traditional cigarettes, the immune defences are restored. It is then possible to notice the appearance of inflammation, as the immune system fights the residues of toxic substances present in the bronchi. This process causes notable discomfort, accompanied by violent coughing fits.

Can vaping help asthma sufferers quit smoking?

The e-cigarette is a product that offers a alternative to traditional smoking without including the harmful substances found in tobacco. Despite the negative impact of asthma on lung function, many asthma sufferers continue to smoke, thereby worsening their symptoms. Passive smoking can also aggravate the condition.

Vaping can potentially offer a path to a healthier life for people with asthma. A study conducted in Sicily presented the e-cigarette as a potential aid for people with asthma. Despite differences of opinion, vaping remains an effective tool for quitting smoking, even for those who suffer from asthma. This underlines the importance of considering vaping as a viable option to improve the quality of life of asthma sufferers who currently smoke tobacco.

And what do the WHO and doctors think?

Of course, the scientific world has not failed to explore this crucial question: can an asthmatic individual turn to vaping? And what would the potential consequences be? Riccardo Polosa, head of the Institute of Internal Medicine and Immunology at the University of Catania in Sicily, is categorical. According to him, the e-cigarette could be a valuable tool to help asthmatic smokers quit tobacco. It is well known that smoking and asthma do not go well together, with many symptoms exacerbated by cigarette consumption.

Another study conducted in Italy, orchestrated by the research team led by Alessandro Solinas, head of the Department of Public Health at the University of Cagliari, identified certain symptoms in asthmatic vapers. However, the results undeniably lean in favour of vaping. It was concluded that vaping does not worsen the effects of asthma in individuals affected by this condition. Better still, it appears that it could improve asthma control and the quality of life of these individuals.

And for good reason, the general opinion of doctors aligns with the majority of scientific studies. The Academy of Medicine reassures asthmatic vapers. It declared on 12 December 2019 that the e-cigarette is useful for smoking cessation. Thus, the e-cigarette remains recommended by doctors as a means of combating tobacco consumption.

The general opinion of the medical community follows the findings of the studies in favour of vaping. Many healthcare professionals recommend vaping to combat smoking, even in cases of asthma. There is therefore no contraindication to the use of the e-cigarette when you have asthma.

But then why am I still coughing?

Many asthma sufferers experience unwanted effects when they start vaping, such as:

• Coughing after inhalation: Tobacco smoke causes irritation of the bronchi. To minimise this irritation, cigarette manufacturers incorporate additives, such as menthol, which soothe the bronchi. When you stop smoking, your bronchi become irritated and menthol is no longer present. As a result, it may seem paradoxical that you cough more when you quit smoking. However, this discomfort is generally short-lived, lasting only a week or two, the time needed for your bronchi to recover. The use of e-cigarettes can initially increase this discomfort, as propylene glycol and nicotine cause a tingling sensation in the throat at first, during the adaptation period. Some people, more sensitive to propylene glycol, would be well advised to switch to a Natural e-liquid with vegetol or to a Protect e-liquid with vegetable propylene glycol, which will reduce coughing and irritation.

• Dry mouth and throat: E-liquids produce vapour by capturing moisture from the air, as well as a small amount of water from the throat and mouth. It is therefore normal to feel increased thirst when using an e-cigarette. Simply drink a little more, which is beneficial for your health!

• A feeling of chest tightness when vaping: Regarding the feeling of chest tightness experienced by some asthma sufferers when they start using the e-cigarette, this can be attributed to two factors; traditional cigarettes contain various additives, including mild vasodilators, which e-liquids do not. When you stop smoking, a feeling of tightness can occur due to the absence of these vasodilators in the vapour. This sensation can also be exacerbated by a psychosomatic effect. People with asthma are generally very attentive to their breathing, on the lookout for the first signs of an attack. So, when starting to vape, it is perfectly normal to feel a little tense or anxious. Not to mention that stress is a trigger for asthma attacks.

This may be concerning, yet it is perfectly normal — these bothersome symptoms have been reported in numerous studies on vaping with asthmatic individuals. In particular, coughing and a dry throat are temporary symptoms also experienced by beginner vapers. The finding is simply that the cause lies not in vaping itself but rather in quitting smoking; it is therefore the beginning of smoking cessation.

Rest assured, the studies mentioned above have clearly demonstrated that the use of e-cigarettes does not trigger asthma attacks. Nevertheless, the discomfort felt when quitting smoking could do so. It is therefore recommended to "stay strong" for one to two weeks, to allow your bronchi to heal, so that you no longer feel this sensation of discomfort.

The E-Cigarette and Asthma: a beneficial alliance?

For a person with asthma, quitting smoking is beneficial on two levels. On one hand, as with all smokers, it eliminates the risks associated with inhaling smoke. On the other hand, it helps prevent the worsening of asthma in both the short and long term.

The e-cigarette is an effective tool that helps smokers quit, often proving more effective than traditional substitutes. Indeed, thanks to the variety of flavours offered by e-liquids, it is even possible to quit smoking with pleasure.

The good news is that there is no contraindication to the use of the e-cigarette for people with asthma. Vaping remains clearly less dangerous for people affected by this condition. So, do not hesitate to give it a try!

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