Comparison of the Effects of Cigarettes, E-Cigarettes, and Shisha on Pulmonary Function in Young Adults

Abstract

The trend of smoking in youth has become a standard part of our modern society. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Southeast Asian countries have the highest rates of tobacco smoking. The WHO has observed a 47% prevalence in both genders among those aged 15 and older. Water pipe smoking, known by a variety of names like Shisha, Narghile, Ghoza, Hubble Bubble, and e-cigarette, has been in vogue for the last many centuries. Its origin from one historical account suggested that it was invented in India by a physician, Hakim Abul Fath, during the reign of Emperor Akbar as a less harmful method of tobacco use. Other   studies suggested that it was first used in South Africa, Persia, Ethiopia and other countries. It has been claimed that more than 100 million people worldwide smoke water pipes. It has been a common practice in the Arabian Peninsula, Turkey, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and China. As the addiction to shisha and cigarette smoking is increasing day by day among youngsters, especially students, we collected data from smokers and non-smokers to know the effect of shisha and cigarette smoking on the lungs and how it affects the lung function. This study provided robust evidence of the detrimental effects of smoking on lung function, with significant reductions in FEV1, FVC, and the FEV1/FVC ratio among smokers compared to non-smokers. These findings are consistent with previous research and highlighted the need for continued efforts in smoking prevention and cessation to improve respiratory health and reduce the burden of smoking-related diseases. Public health initiatives, policy measures, and further research are essential to address the challenges posed by smoking and protect population health.