Critical warning for e-cigarette users from expert
While e-cigarettes, which have become rapidly widespread in recent years especially among young people, are often marketed as "less harmful" or "a tool to help quit smoking," Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Gülfem Yıldırım stated that scientific data reveals these products are not as innocent as they are thought to be.
İHA
E-cigarette liquids contain nicotine, various chemicals, and flavoring agents. Pointing out that nicotine is a highly addictive substance, Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Gülfem Yıldırım noted that exposure at a young age is particularly dangerous for asthma and COPD patients and paves the way for traditional cigarette use in later years.
"EVALI" CASES ARE CONCERNING
Reminding that cases of e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury, known as "EVALI," have been observed in recent years, Dr. Gülfem Yıldırım stated that this condition can lead to severe respiratory failure even in a short period. It is also known to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and have negative effects on the immune system. Emphasizing that chemicals in e-cigarettes can cause damage to lung tissue, Dr. Gülfem Yıldırım said, "These products can trigger asthma attacks by causing irritation in the respiratory tract. In COPD patients, they can worsen the clinical picture and lead to a more rapid decline in respiratory capacity."
NOT EFFECTIVE FOR QUITTING SMOKING
Stating that there is no proven definitive benefit of e-cigarettes in quitting smoking, Dr. Gülfem Yıldırım said, "Many users continue to use both regular cigarettes and e-cigarettes at the same time. This leads to the continuation of the addiction," she added.
"THE MOST ACCURATE PATH IS TO QUIT USING SCIENTIFIC METHODS"
Emphasizing that e-cigarettes are not a safe option, Dr. Gülfem Yıldırım made the following call: "Those who want to quit smoking or e-cigarettes must seek medical support. Nicotine replacement therapies, medications, and behavioral counseling are the most effective and safe methods. E-cigarettes, on the other hand, only perpetuate the addiction in a different form."