This secondary analysis compared respiratory responses to 4–12 cmH2O of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in 80 adults across four groups: healthy participants, cigarette smokers, e-cigarette users, and people with asthma. Airway pressure, airflow, and chest and abdominal excursion showed different group-by-PEEP responses, whereas tidal volume and global aeration did not show statistically clear differential interactions.
Key findings
- All measured outcomes changed across PEEP levels (p
Why this matters globally
The study adds physiological evidence to the global discussion of respiratory effects associated with e-cigarette use and demonstrates how open datasets and noninvasive measurements can support comparisons across risk groups.
Thai researcher contribution
Researchers from the University of Phayao contributed to the analysis and interpretation of respiratory mechanics, producing comparative evidence linking pulmonary responses with smoking-related exposure.
Limitations to consider
This was a secondary analysis with only 20 participants per group and was not a therapeutic trial. Baseline differences may influence results, so the findings should not be used directly to prescribe ventilator settings or individual clinical care.