Study finds e-cigarette use linked to cough reflex sensitivity

Reducing cough reflex sensitivity would lessen the ability of the lungs to get rid of harmful things, like pollution, or fluid buildup.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-08/acoc-sfe082015.php

Public Release: 20-Aug-2015
Study finds e-cigarette use linked to cough reflex sensitivity
American College of Chest Physicians

The popularity of electronic cigarettes has steadily increased worldwide, but little is known about their effects on health. New research suggests that the single use of an electronic cigarette approximating the nicotine exposure of one tobacco cigarette reduces the sensitivity of the cough reflex.

The study tested 30 adult lifetime nonsmokers with no history of asthma or respiratory diseases and used cough tests to determine how e-cigarettes affect the cough reflex.

•••••

Based on a comparison of results, a significant decrease in cough reflex sensitivity was shown within the subjects as compared with their baseline levels.

The authors found that nicotine is probably responsible for the effect on the cough reflex. Prior research shows that nicotine also promotes cough immediately after ingestion, suggesting that nicotine has a dual action: an immediate stimulation of the cough reflex and a delayed inhibition.