Do you know what vaping does to your lungs? Dr. Kalil and infectious disease specialist explain
The use of electronic cigarettes and conventional smoking pose serious risks to respiratory health, regardless of whether the user experiences immediate symptoms. This was one of the main messages conveyed by experts in an interview with Dr. Roberto Kalil on CNN Vital Signs this Saturday (5).
Infectious disease specialist and professor at Unifesp, Nancy Bellei, warned that many smokers mistakenly believe that their lungs are healthy because they don't feel anything.
"Just the fact of being a smoker, regardless of the type of cigarette you use, determines changes in the respiratory tract", he stated. According to him, viruses have a preference for cells that already have an inflammatory process, as in these cases the body finds it more difficult to fight infections.
Nancy also highlighted that studies carried out in the United Kingdom indicate an increase in hospitalizations in young patients with respiratory diseases associated with vape use. The data reinforces the concern about the popularization of electronic cigarettes among younger generations, who often underestimate the harm caused by the product.
Nasal washing and other preventive measures
Nancy also discussed measures to prevent and alleviate respiratory infections, with emphasis on nasal washing with saline solution.
"When you wash with saline solution, you wash behind the entire region of the pharynx, the larynx, where these viruses replicate", he explained. The infectious disease specialist highlighted that, even when the flu does not cause a runny nose or sneezing, nasal washing is still recommended.
In addition, she recommended the use of a mask, frequent hand hygiene, rest, adequate fluid intake and a balanced diet as complementary measures.
The specialist also mentioned the existence of a vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus, aimed at patients with chronic diseases and the elderly, available only in the private health network.
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Source: CNN