Nicotine-Free E-Cigarettes Might Promote Tobacco Smoking Reduction Better Than Nicotine Delivery Devices: Results of a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial at 1 Year

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the use of e-cigarettes to aid in quitting contributed to the increase in the pulmonary health of chronic smokers. The efficacy of e-cigarettes to support a successful smoking cessation attempt was also investigated. A total of 210 smokers (78 women) were enrolled in a screening program for the early detection of lung cancer and distributed in three arms: nicotine e-cigarette plus support, nicotine-free e-cigarette plus support, and support. Results showed that participants in the nicotine e-cigarette arm had a significant and fast decrease in daily cigarettes, but that later they resume smoking more than the other two groups. Conversely, participants in the other two arms showed similar daily consumption at the two evaluation points. Among abstinent participants, only 12.5% reported cough, while 48% of current smokers had pulmonary symptoms. Our study suggests that, in the long run, the use of a nicotine-free liquid may favor reducing smoking and could be considered a good option in a clinical setting.

Automated summary

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of using e-cigarettes on the pulmonary health of chronic smokers, as well as the effectiveness of e-cigarettes in supporting smoking cessation. The results showed that while participants in the nicotine e-cigarette group initially experienced a significant decrease in daily cigarettes, they later resumed smoking more than the other two groups. In contrast, participants in the other two groups showed similar daily cigarette consumption. Among those who successfully quit smoking, only a small percentage reported cough, while a higher percentage of current smokers had pulmonary symptoms. Therefore, the use of nicotine-free liquid in e-cigarettes may help reduce smoking and could be a viable option in a clinical setting.