The vape and e-cigarette industry’s expansion into the Philippines, with aspirations to establish the country as a manufacturing hub for these products, has sparked concern among medical professionals. This trajectory, they warn, carries the ominous potential of fostering an epidemic of EVALI, or e-cigarette or vape-associated lung injury, particularly among the nation’s youth.
Further, research also highlighted concerning trends, including the emergence of respiratory and cardiovascular issues from e-cigarette use. A recently published cohort study from Hebei province, China, provides pivotal evidence linking chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and vaping. The study tracked over 10,000 healthy participants without prior respiratory conditions from 2015 to 2020. At the end of the study, the researchers found a 28% increase in the risk of respiratory symptoms. It also found a 8% increase in the risk of COPD in e-cigarette users. Additionally, dual users who use both e-cigarettes and conventional cigarettes had a 41% and 18% increased risk in respiratory symptoms and COPD risks. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence cautioning against the use of e-cigarettes and highlight the need for healthcare professionals and policymakers to reassess the role of vaping in smoking cessation strategies.
The Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control saw an increase in nicotine poisoning among teenagers due to the use of e-cigarettes and vapes. E-cigarettes are being abused by children, teens and young adults and cases of nicotine poisoning seem to be increasing among teenagers and adults as well.
Exploring the Challenges of Asthma: Lack of Knowledge for the Right Treatment and Services for Asians. Learn about the new research centre TARIPH dedicated to developing tailored treatments from an Asian perspective. Discover asthma’s prevalence & causes, and hear an expert’s advice for managing this chronic condition.
Medical Channel Asia presents the weekly Asian Medical news bulletin, bringing you essential healthcare news from across the region. This week’s bulletin will focus on COVID-19 booster shots, exercise and vaping.
In a stark illustration of the potential dangers associated with electronic cigarettes or vaporisers, a former vape addict in Singapore required an uncommon medical procedure known as whole lung lavage not once, but twice after developing a rare lung condition. Doctors at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), the only hospital in Singapore to perform this procedure, suspect the condition may be linked to his vaping habit.
Medical Channel Asia presents the weekly Asian medical news bulletin, bringing you essential healthcare news from across the region. This week’s bulletin will focus on several updates in conjunction with World No Tobacco Day, which occurred on 31 May 2023
