CLEVELAND, OH (CLEVELAND CLINIC) - A Cleveland Clinic study is highlighting the dangers of e-cigarettes and vaping. According to researchers, the popular devices have been shown to damage cells that protect your airway.
Researchers created a breathing simulator for the study. And then tested different devices and flavors to see how they would impact cells in the airway. They discovered that no matter the device, or flavors introduced, they all caused harm. However, the combination of flavor and nicotine were said to be the worst. They also learned that the use of e-cigarettes or vapes can put a person at greater risk for viral infections, like RSV.
"We exposed the cells to the aerosols generated by this machine and then we did the viral infection, and we saw that the effect was worse. So basically, we saw more viral infections and more damage to the airway epithelial cells," stated Dr. Fariba Rezaee, Cleveland Clinic Children's.
Doctors say more research needs to be done on the long-term effects. In the meantime, they strongly encourage anyone who uses e-cigarettes or vapes to quit.
