TY - JOUR T1 - Effect of the use of electronic cigarettes (e-Cig) in smoking asthmatics (SA): A retrospective evaluation JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J VL - 44 IS - Suppl 58 SP - 3440 AU - Riccardo Polosa AU - Pasquale Caponnetto AU - Massimo Caruso AU - Simona Strano AU - Cristina Russo AU - Jaymin Morjaria Y1 - 2014/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/3440.abstract N2 - BackgroundSA have frequent exacerbations, poor health status and disease control. E-Cigs are an alternative smoking strategy to conventional cigarettes.AimTo evaluate the effects of e-Cigs as an alternative to tobacco use in SA.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed changes in lung function, methacholine airway hyperresponsiveness and asthma control in SA who had been using e-Cigs for at least 12 months. Measurements were taken prior to use, at 6 and 12 months.Results18 SA were identified with a mean age of 39 (±12) and smoking pack years of 21 (±10); 10 single (e-Cig only) and 8 dual users (e-Cig and conventional cigarettes ≤4cig/day). The findings are summarised below.View this table:Parameter measurements at baseline (BL), 6- and 12-months (M)No adverse events were reported.ConclusionsE-Cig use appears to have beneficial effects on respiratory physiology and subjective asthma outcomes, suggesting that these products may be a valid and safe option for SA not intending or unable to quit tobacco use. Larger controlled studies are required to substantiate our findings. ER -