Specialist points to link between 'popcorn disease' and e-cigarettes

E-cigarette smoking is seriously harmful among teenagers. (Source: Pixabay)

This therapist said that when heated, the essential oil in an electronic cigarette (vape) will form an aerosol containing nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin and various flavorings.

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Inhalation of these components irritates the bronchial and pulmonary mucosa, which can lead to chronic inflammation and increased sensitivity of the respiratory tract.

Dr. Farrakhov said that e-cigarette aerosol changes the structure of lung tissue, contributing to chronic diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

In addition, vaping also reduces the activity of immune cells in the lungs, making the lungs more susceptible to viruses and bacteria. It also increases the risk of developing popcorn lung or bronchiolitis obliterans.

E-cigarette use is particularly harmful to teens. Nicotine harms the developing brain, impairing memory, attention, and learning ability, doctors say. Regular inhalation of the chemicals can lead to chronic lung disease.

E-cigarettes are also dangerous for pregnant women because nicotine can disrupt the development of the fetus’ nervous system. Nicotine reduces oxygen supply, increasing the risk of developmental delays and low birth weight, and increasing the risk of birth defects. Vaping can also increase the risk of premature birth and miscarriage.

On March 19, pulmonologist Marine Gambaryan admitted to the press that the actual number of EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury) cases among Russians may be higher.

Earlier, the consumer watchdog Rospotrebnadzor reported a rare illness in a teenager in Tomsk. Doctors found characteristic symptoms in the patient: cough, shortness of breath and chest pain, and when listening to the patient's lungs, they heard crackling sounds similar to popping popcorn.

In 2019, doctors first identified a link between “popcorn sickness” and vaping. Research shows that one of the main causes of “popcorn sickness” is diacetyl, a chemical that gives e-cigarettes flavors such as butter, cheese, cream, caramel, vanilla coffee, chocolate, etc.

Moreover, not only diacetyl but many other substances in e-cigarette essential oils are also dangerous. They can cause allergic reactions, irritation of mucous membranes and respiratory tract, nausea, headache, diarrhea, weakness.

In addition, e-cigarettes also negatively affect the functioning of the central nervous system and nicotine in the mixture is a strong carcinogen.

The speed of development of “popcorn disease” due to e-cigarette smoking depends on the resistance of lung tissue. The first symptoms can appear after about 3 years, said the lecturer at the Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Alexander Umnov State Universityof Education . According to him, there is only one way to protect yourself: not to smoke e-cigarettes.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/bac-si-chuyen-khoa-neu-moi-lien-he-giua-benh-bong-ngo-va-thuoc-la-dien-tu-309663.html