Did you know that nicotine use continues even though it is a health hazard? It has a powerful effect on brain chemistry and emotions making it difficult to quit the habit, thanks to withdrawal. Unfortunately, cigarette smoking continues to be the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. and causes around 90% of all deaths from lung cancer. In women, lung cancer causes more deaths than breast cancer. It also causes 80% of all deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Nicotine also affects your heart, lungs and stomach, risking cardiovascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal issues. It also weakens the immune system, damages reproductive health and leads to cancer. Younger people are avoiding cigarettes by turning to e-cigarettes to gain a nicotine fix. The problem is vaping is still harmful to one’s health. And because they’re a newish phenomenon, we still don’t know everything about their long-term health effects.
The liquid in e-cigarettes exposes the lungs to a range of chemicals, flavorants and more which the user inhales repeatedly. Your lungs were never meant to do that. Inhaling ingredients that were meant to be eaten like glycol, vegetable glycerin and flavorants that are heated by the e-cigarette so they can turn into other possibly dangerous chemicals as well. For example, Vitamin E acetate is a thickening that vaping is linked to lung injuries.Â
Dr. John Abroon and our team offer lung assessment to assess lung inflammation. In addition to listening to the lungs, he might request a chest X-ray, CT scan, blood test, spirometry, bronchoscopy, and even surgical lung biopsy. If lung inflammation is diagnosed, Dr. John Abroon, MD will create a customized treatment plan for you. Common treatments include oxygen therapy, corticosteroids, and home remedies such as pollen masks and lifestyle changes. Quitting smoking and vaping are powerful ways to help your lungs thrive. Call us at (212) 288-0900 to learn more or schedule a visit.