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

On April 1 (Moscow time, Russia), in a conversation with the RuNews24.Ru news agency, therapist and pulmonologist Marat Farrakhov warned that, although there is no tobacco in the composition, electronic cigarettes still contain many chemical compounds that negatively affect the respiratory system.

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

This therapist said that when heated, the essential oil in electronic cigarettes (vapes) will form an aerosol containing nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin and many different flavorings.

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

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

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

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

E-cigarettes are also dangerous for pregnant women because nicotine can disrupt the development of the fetus's nervous system. Nicotine reduces oxygen supply, increasing the risk of developmental delays and low birth weight, and increasing the risk of birth defects. E-cigarette smoking 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 could be higher.

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

In 2019, doctors first identified a link between vaping and “popcorn sickness.” Research has shown that one of the main causes of “popcorn sickness” is diacetyl, the chemical that gives e-cigarettes flavors like 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, headaches, diarrhea, and 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” caused by smoking e-cigarettes 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 University of Education . According to him, the only way to protect yourself is 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