A Deadly Smoke: Severe Lung Disease Tied To Chemical Found In Flavored e-Cigarettes

Image source: livescience.com

People who want to smoke but without the tar or smell turn to electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes. Dubbed as the “future of smoking,” the battery-powered vaporizers simulate the feeling of smoking but without burning tobacco. Instead of cigarette smoke, the user inhales an aerosol.

Although there are no official statistics as to how many Americans use e-cigarettes, market observers agree that more people are trying these devices out. In fact, interest in these devices is highest among young adults.

But with the growing popularity of e-cigarettes come health issues. Despite being marketed as an alternative to smoking, e-cigarette safety concerns grow as several studies found some of the chemicals used unsafe to inhale.

And the latest research to join this growing body of literature is that from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The researchers wanted to find out if flavored e-cigarettes, which are very popular especially among the youth, contain the chemical diacetyl. After testing 51 types of flavored e-cigarettes sold by leading brands, researchers found diacetyl in more than 75 percent of the e-cigarettes and refill liquids.

Image source: nytimes.com

Previous reports have shown the link between diacetyl and severe cases of respiratory disease. In fact, both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the flavoring industry have issued warnings about the chemical, which was associated with the debilitating respiratory disease bronchiolitis obliterans, or “Popcorn Lung” for it was first observed in workers who inhaled artificial butter flavor in microwave popcorn processing facilities. Meanwhile, the researchers also found two other potentially harmful compounds, 2,3-pentanedione and acetoin, in many of the tested flavors.

Researchers recommend urgent action to evaluate further the impact of diacetyl exposure via flavored e-cigarettes. Most of the studies on e-cigarettes today focused on nicotine while the effects of flavoring chemicals have been ignored.

Keep track of the latest studies on respiratory health by following this Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon Twitter account.

What You Need to Know About Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

One in ten Americans have Restless Legs Syndrome? Also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease, the Restless Leg Sydrome is a neurologic-sensory and sleeping disorder that gives a person an urge to move legs while at rest. It is possible for a person to show signs of the Willis-Ekbom Disease in other parts like the arms, face, torso, and genital region. It occurs during inactivity (sleep or rest), and is usually calmed by pressure or big movement. It is usually manifested during nighttime, and can greatly interfere with a patient’s sleep patterns.

Image source: mikaelsyding.com

The main cause for the condition is still unknown. While others believe that RLS can be hereditary or idiopathic (primary RLS), some obtain the disease because of an underlying medical condition (pregnancy, diabetes, kidney failure, anemia, etc.), or the use of medication or other substances. More than 80 percent of people who have RLS also have PLMD or the periodic limb movement disorder. Symptoms of PLMD include leg twitching or jerking.

RLS can occur at any age, regardless of gender. It also runs in families as it is genetic, and it can also be a sign for developmental disorders in some children.

Image source: valleysleepcenter.com

If you are showing signs of Restless Legs Syndrome, consult a medical professional, and ask how they can be of help to you.

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon specializes in critical care and sleep medicine. Follow this Twitter account for more health-related discussions.