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Business News/ Science / Health/  World No Tobacco Day: Can vaping or e-cigarettes damage your lungs?
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World No Tobacco Day: Can vaping or e-cigarettes damage your lungs?

World No Tobacco Day: Vaping refers to the act of inhaling and exhaling aerosol produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device

E-cigarettes, commonly known as vape pens or e-cigs, work by heating a liquid solution that typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. (Mint)Premium
E-cigarettes, commonly known as vape pens or e-cigs, work by heating a liquid solution that typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. (Mint)

World No Tobacco Day: On 31 May 2023, WHO and public health champions around the world are celebrating World No Tobacco Day (WNTD). This year’s theme is ‘We need food, not tobacco’. In recent years, the rise in popularity of vaping, ande-cigarettes has sparked concerns among medical professionals and the general public alike.

What is vaping?

Vaping refers to the act of inhaling and exhaling aerosol produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device.

What are e-cigarettes?

E-cigarettes, commonly known as vape pens or e-cigs, work by heating a liquid solution that typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals.

Effects of vaping

While the long-term effects of vaping are still being studied, emerging evidence suggests that there are potential risks to lung health associated with the use of e-cigarettes, said Dr. Kamran Ali, Sr. Consultant, Lung Transplant & Thoracic Surgery, Marengo Asia Hospitals Faridabad.

According to Dr Maj Gen Susheel Kumar Malani, Head of the Department of Cardiology DPU Private Super Speciality Hospital, Pune, E-cigarette or vaping produces dangerous chemicals such as acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, and acrolein. These chemicals affect the heart, lungs, and brain adversely. They increase the risk of heart attack and brain stroke.

“Vaping has been linked to an increased risk of respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. These symptoms may be indicative of lung irritation or inflammation," said Dr. Kamran.

In recent years, cases of severe lung injuries associated with vaping have emerged. A very interesting article in the journal "Lancet" in 2019, described this life-threatening respiratory illness in great detail. These cases came to be known as vaping-associated lung injury (VALI) or e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI). They are characterized by symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, and in severe cases, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Vaping in young adults

Statistics show that about 20-25% of young adults use e-cigarettes and vaping. This is on the rise with an overall unhealthy lifestyle and use of party and recreational substance abuse, said Dr. Maj Gen Susheel Kumar Malani.

Dr Malani suggested ways to quit vaping

1) Awareness and education through social media

2)Promotion of heart-healthy habits including regular physical exercise and a balanced diet.

3)Yoga and meditation.

4) Stress reduction at home and workplace

5) Expert help by a qualified healthcare provider

6)Use of distraction such as a new hobby or activity

7)Help from a support group

Tighter regulations, stricter enforcement, and bolder reforms in tobacco control are needed to counter the predatory practices of the tobacco industry.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sangeeta Ojha
A business media enthusiast. Writes on personal finance, business and banking.
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Published: 31 May 2023, 07:47 AM IST
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