Cases of EVALI, the disease associated with vaping, increase – Your health channel

You probably haven’t heard of EVALI until now. Recently, the growing number of cases of this lung disease that is associated with new forms of smoking, including vaping and electronic cigarettes, have been alerted. As our experts warn, the so-called ‘vapping’ can be the gateway to smoking among young people. In fact, today vaping is misperceived as a healthy alternative to conventional tobacco and a method of quitting smoking. For all these reasons, Dr. Jesús Peñas del Bustillo, head of the Pneumology service at Quirónsalud Sagrado Corazón Hospital, highlights that “there is the challenge of transmitting to the population the potential health risk of these new forms of tobacco consumption” . We find out why Evali cases are on the rise and discuss other e-cigarette related risks. EVALI and its relationship with vaping This is the name given to the disease associated with vaping or electronic cigarettes that causes lung injuries. In recent years, a greater number of people affected by Evali have been observed, especially among young people, due to the use of new methods of consuming tobacco. In addition, the recent increase in cases has caused Evali to be considered an epidemic by the CDC and the FDA, organizations in the United States from which the sequelae of vaping and other forms of smoking in the lung are monitored. Negative effects of vaping There are several risks of electronic cigarette or vaping. In particular, Dr. Peñas tells us that the following harmful effects can occur: Injuries to the bronchial tree, among other damage Asthma COPD Delayed intrauterine development or coagulation disorders High exposure to nicotine Danger of dual smoking Intake of substance Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC The danger of tobacco addiction Smoking can cause premature death in half of smokers, according to the World Health Organization. Currently, there is a lower tendency to smoke among men, but this is not the case for women, whose figures remain constant. In this regard, Dr. Peñas asks that smoking be treated as a disease and, therefore, distance itself from the traditional concept that refers to it as a risk factor in the development of cancer, COPD and peripheral vascular pathology, among others. diseases. We must not forget the dependence generated by tobacco. Dr. Domingo García Aguilar, a specialist in Pulmonology at the Quirónsalud Infanta Luisa Hospital, warns us of this, adding that a great physical and psychological dependence is generated in smokers. An example of this is the inability felt by cancer patients to quit smoking despite their illness. For this reason, Dr. García recalls the importance of preventing this situation and encouraging young people to consider the consequences of smoking before starting to try it. How to overcome cigarette addiction Our experts in Pulmonology recommend going to specialized units, where the necessary guidelines are provided to achieve the goal of quitting smoking with the use of techniques, such as: Behavioral therapy to achieve more motivation. Specific medical procedure. Medication. In Spain, a drug has been incorporated that helps to deal with tobacco addiction by increasing dopamine in the brain, relieving withdrawal symptoms and reducing its effects.