The Effect of Vaping and Nicotine-containing Liquids to Suppress the Immune System: A Pilot Study

Aims: We present a pilot study to illustrate how the impact of vaping can be quickly and conclusively documented in a large population and appropriate subpopulations. Methods: It has been predicted that with longer duration and higher frequency of vaping, there would be a higher frequency of, a longer duration of, and more severe flu and cold symptoms — indicating a negative impact on the immune system. Studies have linked electronic cigarettes and vaping to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, drastic changes in blood pressure, and the reduced function of tissues and cells in the lungs, but only in small populations, making generalization to the entire population less convincing. A sample of 120, 18–22-year-olds in northern California were asked to complete a 14-question, two-minute, anonymous survey. Those with pre-existing respiratory ailments or a family history of respiratory ailments were excluded from the study along with those who smoke cigarettes or have smoked cigarettes in the past. The survey collected the frequency and time spent vaping and the severity, frequency, and longevity of the flu and cold symptoms. Responses were converted into numerical values and analyzed. Results: Those who vaped more often had more severe flu and cold symptoms (p<0.005). However, no strong trends were present as can be expected from a pilot study. A power analysis based on this pilot data suggests that only 667 subjects would be required to answer the short survey to reach statistical significance. Conclusion: A quick survey was created to show the negative effects of vaping on a general population. Showing effects generalizable to the entire population would require a very reasonably sized sample and could easily allow analysis of subpopulations.

Duke Scholars

Author Robert A. Malkin Biomedical Engineering