Respiratory symptoms and exercise responses among adult E‐cigarette users with and without obesity

Abstract

Despite the high prevalence of both e‐cigarette use and obesity among young adults, little is known about whether obesity worsens lung function, ventilatory constraints, or respiratory symptoms among e‐cigarette users. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of obesity on lung function, ventilatory constraints, and exertional breathlessness in young adult e‐cigarette users. Forty‐seven 21–35‐year‐old e‐cigarette users ( n  = 19 with mild‐to‐moderate obesity) completed submaximal exercise testing (6 min at 40 W for females and 60 W for males followed by two 4‐min stages, each increased by 20 W increments; low, moderate, and higher work rates). Gas exchange, minute ventilation, operating lung volumes, and ratings of perceived breathlessness (RPB) and exertion (RPE) were assessed. Significant breathlessness was defined as RPB ≥3 (moderate or greater breathlessness). E‐cigarette users with obesity experienced a 13% higher oxygen uptake exercise, 15% greater minute ventilation, and 27% lower end‐expiratory lung volume, compared with those without obesity ( p  < 0.05). 74% of individuals with obesity and 64% of individuals without obesity reported moderate or greater breathlessness at the higher work rate. E‐cigarette use history and cardiopulmonary exercise testing could be considered during the evaluation of young adults with exertional breathlessness.