Chronic exposure to smoke causes a progressive deterioration of the lung cilia, one of the defence mechanisms of the respiratory system.Switching to products without combustion, however, can dramatically reduce the damage.
During the second international conference on Otorhinolaryngology, held in Dubai, prof. Riccardo Polosa (CoEHAR founder) was the only international expert on Harm Reduction.
With a speech entitled: “Impact of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products on saccharin test: Evidence for harm reversal“, the Italian scientist underlined that the damage caused by smoking, in the Otorhinolaryngology too, is not due to the intake of nicotine but to combustion.
Simple clinical observations on smokers have shown that quitting smoking causes almost immediate health benefits as evident improvement in gustation and olfaction.
In Dubai, Polosa presented the results of one of the latest studies conducted by CoEHAR researchers and published last August. “Impact of exclusive e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products use on mucociliary clearance” compared the saccharin transit time test results of e-cigs and heated tobacco products, with those of smokers, ex-smokers and individuals who never smoked.
The result demonstrated switching to low-risk tools (such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco) does not have any harmful effects on the mucociliary system.
Chronic exposure to smoke causes a progressive deterioration of the lung cilia, one of the defence mechanisms of the respiratory system. Damage to mucociliary clearance can contribute to inflammation of the lungs and increase the susceptibility in smokers to respiratory infections. Switching to products without combustion, however, can dramatically reduce the damage.
Greeted by an audience of scientists positive about the new comments on smoke harm reduction, Polosa said science must follow its path but implementing research in this specific area could truly save millions of lives worldwide.
