"Popcorn disease": how vapes destroy the lungs
The danger posed by vapes has moved from the rank of horror stories to the category of medical statistics. In Tomsk, a schoolboy has the first case of bronchiolitis obliterans, a "occupational disease" of e—cigarette lovers. It is also called popcorn disease because the wheezing in the lungs resembles the crackling of popcorn. How smoking mixtures affect the body, why teenagers become addicted to "ashek" and when the point of no return comes — in the Izvestia material.
Sweet poison
Until recently, the most frightening information about vapes was reports that, for example, they explode, disfiguring young smokers. Now, a statistical countdown of patients with specialized diseases has begun with a young resident of Tomsk. Another minor resident of this city was diagnosed with the toxic effects of smoking mixtures on the central nervous system.
Denis Prokofiev, a general practitioner with the status of "Moscow Doctor", notes two main risks of vaping. Firstly, the chemical liquid of electronic cigarettes actually poisons the body. Secondly, the steam that comes out as a result of smoking affects the mucous membrane lining the upper respiratory tract.
— Normally, the mucous membrane is always in a moistened state. This helps the body's natural defenses. And steam dries out the mucous membrane, which creates ideal conditions for infection, both bacterial and viral," says Denis Prokofiev.
According to the expert, "popcorn disease" is a philistine term. Doctors use the term "bronchiolitis obliterans", and the abbreviation EVALI is used in the international medical literature. This is a disease of the respiratory system, which is based on the lesion of the so—called bronchial tree, the ventilation system of our lungs. When the bronchial lumen narrows, a dry cough occurs, there is a feeling of lack of air, shortness of breath, hypoxia.
— Bronchiolitis obliterans leads to disruption of the respiratory system and is a precursor to an even more serious disease — chronic obstructive pulmonary bronchitis (COPD). It develops, in particular, under the influence of the serious carcinogen diacetyl, which is part of the chemical composition of electronic cigarettes, explains Denis Prokofiev.
The diagnosis is made on the basis of X-rays, blood tests, computed tomography, and pulmonological examinations. And the most obvious sign that doctors primarily pay attention to is those dry, whistling, popcorn—like wheezes that can be heard even from a distance, without a phonoscope.
—COPD significantly worsens the quality of life, as patients need to constantly use inhaled glucocorticosteroids, oxygen inhalation, and bronchodilators," the general practitioner continues.
No need to worry
According to Denis Prokofiev, the process can be stopped at the initial stage — it all depends on the amount of carcinogens entering the respiratory tract, as well as the length of smoking. As a rule, the point of no return is five years of "soaring."
The effects of popcorn sickness can be devastating not only for the lungs.
— It should be understood that the respiratory and cardiovascular systems are closely related. Fans of electronic cigarettes have a malfunction of the small (pulmonary) circulatory system. This increases the load on the heart and provokes the development of cardiovascular diseases. In particular, hypertrophy of the right ventricle, warns Denis Prokofiev.
The general practitioner also notes that steam changes the microflora of the oral cavity. This gradually leads to inflammation of the teeth and gums. Vaping is especially dangerous for children, as their bodies are only growing and forming.
— Despite the fact that a child begins to breathe from the first seconds of birth, as soon as he makes the first cry, his respiratory system develops until the age of 15. And the earlier a person starts using vape, the more serious the negative impact on the development of respiratory organs, warns Denis Prokofiev.
If, under the influence of fashion, a student "soars" from the age of 10, then by the age of 15 he risks becoming not only a patient with chronic diseases, but also a disabled person, since he will have to use inhalation therapy all his life. This is the main risk of early smoking of both electronic cigarettes and other nicotine-containing products, Prokofiev emphasizes.
— In addition, the smoking mixture contains a fairly large amount of flavors and dyes that have a toxic effect and inhibit the functioning of the central nervous system. And since there is a negative impact on the respiratory system, the brain receives insufficient oxygen, which affects mental abilities, explains Denis Prokofiev.
Why do teenagers smoke vapes
In the psychiatric and drug treatment clinic of Dr. Isaev, Izvestia listed the factors that determine the popularity of vapes among teenagers.:
— marketing appeal: manufacturers make devices bright, stylish, with fruity or sweet flavors, which creates the illusion of harmlessness;
— social factor: vaping is perceived by teenagers as a fashion trend, an element of social identification and group affiliation;
— a false sense of security: some teenagers are convinced that vapes are safer than traditional cigarettes, although this is far from the case;
— accessibility: it is easy to buy on the Internet, despite legal restrictions, in addition, teenagers often purchase liquids and devices illegally.
— absence of a characteristic tobacco smell: this allows you to hide the use from parents and teachers.
Ruslan Isaev, head of the clinic, president of the Independent Narcological Guild, psychiatrist, narcologist, notes that dependence on electronic cigarettes often develops even faster than on conventional ones. This is due, in particular, to the fact that the Ashkas smoke, "without letting go of their hands."
— Vape can be used continuously, without restrictions on location and time. Teenagers can take dozens and hundreds of puffs throughout the day, which leads to a continuous intake of nicotine into the body, says Ruslan Isaev.
Addiction is facilitated by the high rate of absorption of substances with which the devices are filled. According to the narcologist, saline nicotine is often used in vaping liquids, which is absorbed faster and has a stronger effect on nicotine receptors. Constant nicotine stimulation leads to the formation of a stable addiction, which is expressed in irritability, anxiety and a strong craving for nicotine in the absence of vaping.
— Thus, electronic cigarettes not only cause classic nicotine addiction, but also form a behavioral habit: a person gets used to holding the device in his hands, taking puffs "automatically" without hesitation, — Ruslan Isaev continues.
The adolescent brain is very plastic, and addiction develops faster and stronger in children than in adults. And the effect of nicotine itself on the child's brain is much stronger, since the prefrontal cortex, responsible for self-control and decision-making, is still being formed, the psychiatrist notes.
Is it possible to quit smoking
According to the expert, addiction develops in several stages. At first, the child decides to experiment — he tries to take a drag out of curiosity or under the influence of peers. He thinks he's "just trying" and "can quit at any moment." And then the so—called social use plays a role - vaping becomes a part of communication, is used at recess, in the company of friends. With regular use, nicotine turns into a way to cope with stress and boredom. At the final stage, the teenager becomes addicted to cigarettes, and smoking becomes uncontrollable.
The narcologist emphasizes that vaping addiction can be of varying severity. In mild cases, teenagers can quit on their own if they have strong motivation and family support.
For those who hope to get rid of a bad habit on their own, the doctor suggests several effective steps. First, it is necessary to gradually reduce the amount of nicotine in liquids (if reusable devices are used). Secondly, to change the ritual, that is, to find a substitute for the habit — to exercise or at least chew ordinary gum. Thirdly, to change the social environment — to change the social circle, to avoid situations that provoke the desire to smoke. Nicotine replacement therapy (special chewing gums, patches, tablets) should be used only after consulting a doctor, warns Dr. Isaev.
But if the addiction has already formed, then it is difficult to cope with it without the help of specialists. Medical help is needed if a person cannot stand even a few hours without vaping, but is unable to quit himself, experiences increased anxiety, irritability, and depression.
How to tell if a child smokes
Sometimes a child's bad habit comes as a surprise to the parents. According to Isaev, there are several signs that may indirectly indicate addiction.
— Pay attention to frequent visits to the toilet and bathroom or other places where a teenager can retire to smoke unnoticed. An alarming sign is increased irritability, nervousness, since nicotine withdrawal causes mood swings," Ruslan Isaev comments.
Vapes contain propylene glycol, which causes dehydration. Therefore, a teenager often feels thirsty and complains of dry mouth. And since prolonged smoking of vapes irritates the respiratory tract, a chronic cough, colds, and hoarseness of voice can give the smoker away. Students who smoke have decreased cognitive abilities, they remember information worse, and they have difficulty paying attention.
— If you suspect that your child uses vaping, start with a confidential conversation. Teenagers often hide their addiction for fear of punishment, so it's best to approach the problem from a position of caring rather than forbidding. Calmly find out why the child started smoking, what he thinks about vaping and whether he is aware of the possible consequences," Ruslan Isaev suggests.
The narcologist advises to scientifically substantiate the health risks, focusing not only on the long—term prospects (development of addiction, lung damage), but also on the immediate ones - deterioration of concentration, skin problems, decreased endurance in sports.
— After the conversation, it is important to create an environment in which dependence will be unprofitable. Teenagers need an alternative: Sports, hobbies, and active leisure are areas in which smoking is not only discouraged, but also interferes," Isaev continues.
If an addiction has already developed, a narcologist or psychologist will help you develop an individual withdrawal strategy. The main thing is support and patience, because nicotine addiction does not go away instantly, the psychiatrist summarizes.
How to punish for vaping
In Russia, minors are protected from vaping by the law "On protecting the health of citizens from exposure to ambient tobacco smoke, the effects of tobacco consumption or consumption of nicotine-containing products," said Alla Georgieva, a civil lawyer.
— Smoking electronic cigarettes is prohibited in the same place as smoking regular cigarettes. This list includes children's rooms and playgrounds, public transport; it is forbidden to smoke at a distance of 15 m from the entrance to the subway, near cultural and sports institutions and in other places. This also applies to minors," says Alla Georgieva.
According to the expert, if a teenager has reached the age of administrative responsibility (16 years), then he bears the punishment on his own. Parents are responsible for those who are younger.
The sale of vapes is allowed only in specialized stores, and you cannot discount or advertise these products. E-cigarettes and liquids for them are prohibited from being sold to minors. And children under 12 years old should not even be shown devices for the consumption of such goods, the expert notes.
It is also not necessary to treat teenagers with electronic cigarettes: administrative penalties are provided for this.
"And if a child is systematically involved in the use of intoxicating substances, which can include vaping, then criminal liability will follow," the lawyer warns. — In the most serious cases, this is imprisonment for up to four years.
The punishment depends on the circumstances and severity of the crime committed. The demand is stricter for teachers, parents and other adults who are legally responsible for raising a minor. Especially if we are talking about violence or threats against him, and the child is under 14 years old or his health has been affected by smoking.
— If a parent smokes vape in the presence of a minor, then he should also be held accountable, both administratively and criminally. It is necessary to report such violations to law enforcement agencies and to Rospotrebnadzor. It is advisable to record such a situation using photos or videos," the lawyer comments.
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