Damage caused to the lungs by smoking and vaping

One major cause of millions of deaths across the globe is smoking. Each year, more than 8 million people are killed due to tobacco use. Out of which approximately 1.2 million individuals are non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke (aka passive smokers).

 

The five-minute pleasure and “hit” causes major health issues down the line. Tobacco smoking is responsible for about 90% of all lung cancer deaths. It is also responsible for about 80% of all deaths caused due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

Reading these facts, the question at hand is; Is smoking worth it? 

The answer will always be no!

Damage due to smoking:

Starting with the mouth and throat, bad breath and stained teeth are the byproducts of smoking. It also causes major gum diseases and gives the lips and gums a faint blackish tint. Smoking is responsible for major damage to your mouth and throat, it increases the risk of cancer in your lips, throat, voice box, gullet and even tongue. 

If these facts make you to quit smoking, then we have some good news. Once you quit smoking, you greatly reduce your chance of developing neck and head cancer. If you think that only certain areas of your body will be affected by smoking, then you are in for a shock:

 

As for your lungs, those two are affected the most. Regular smokers are prone to colds, coughs, bad throats and asthma, and these are just the start to a long path of pain and suffering. Pneumonia, emphysema and lung cancer are just some of the return gifts smoking gives you. Studies have proven that smoking damages your airways and alveoli in your lungs, which in-turn causes severe lung diseases. 

One lung disease that smoking causes is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This disease includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Cigarette’s take credit for causing most cases of lung cancer. Individuals who already have asthma are at a severe risk of an attack if they passively, or directly inhale tobacco smoke. 

If you choose to continue to smoke tobacco, it will greatly impact your health and quality of life. Even though the temptations grow by the passing minute, high determination and a strong will can save you from both physical and mental agony.

Vaping 

E-cigarettes – also known as vapes, vape pens, mods and e-hookahs are considered a better alternative to the typical tobacco cigarettes. These vape pens work by heating a liquid, which produces an aerosol that users inhale. These liquids contain; THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), nicotine, CBD (cannabinoid) oils, and other addictive substances. The applications and flavors available is all together a different story. 

As of today, the specific chemical exposures in these vapes, causing lungs diseases and injuries remains unidentified and unknown. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported nearly 800 lung injuries associated with e-cigarettes. According to one of WebMD’s articles, “Lung injuries from vaping probably result from tissue damage caused by noxious chemical fumes, rather than from organic compounds in the lungs, data suggest.”

According to Dr. Brandon Larsen, a surgical pathologist at Mayo Clinic Arizona, and a national expert in lung pathology, "While we can't discount the potential role of lipids, we have not seen anything to suggest this is a problem caused by lipid accumulation in the lungs. Instead, it seems to be direct chemical injury, similar to what one might see with exposures to toxic chemical fumes, poisonous gases and toxic agents.” Out of 17 documented cases, 11 met the criteria for a “confirmed” diagnosis of vaping-related lung injury; the remaining six met the criteria for a “probable” designation. 

According to his team’s research, “In all cases, histopathological findings showed patterns of acute lung injury, including acute fibrinous pneumonitis, diffuse alveolar damage, or organizing pneumonia, usually bronchiolocentric and accompanied by bronchiolitis.” Also,” Macrophages and pneumocyte vacuolization were seen in all cases and may be useful diagnostic clues in an appropriate clinical context.”

Even though there isn’t any definitive answer as to how and why “vaping” causes these lung injuries, when it is a way to reducing the number of normal cigarettes. It is safe to say that vaping will do you no good and that it has no possible health benefits.

Conclusion 

Smoking poses a great treat to not only your respiratory system but the entirety of your body. It is responsible for many variations of cancer and causes millions of deaths annually. On a same note, e-cigarettes are no alternative to smoking. It causes the lungs to swell up due to all the excess vapor one inhales via specialized vape pens. 

Turacoz Healthcare Solution, a medical communication company believes that with a bit of determination and a strong will power you can quit smoking. We believe that you don’t require an alternative for smoking, such as vaping. Turacoz urges people to quit smoking and vaping, and to be more physically active and vigilant and should take care of their body.

Even though the “hit” can sometimes help reduce stress, it is not a proper way to relief tension and stress. We strongly advise you to talk to someone, preferably to your friends and families, in times of need and desperation. 

Quit Smoking Today to save your Tomorrow!

Author: Duaranne Everett