Articles related to SMOKING/VAPING

Uncover valuable strategies to guide your patients in mitigating glaucoma lifestyle-associated risk factors. Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing glaucoma. It results in episcleral vasoconstriction, impaired optic nerve perfusion, irregular blood flow, and higher vasospasms. Additionally, smoking boosts the eye’s oxidative load while reducing circulating antioxidants. Consequently, it amplifies glaucoma risks, especially in genetically susceptible individuals and heavy smokers. Actionably, recommend smoking-cessation apps and credible online resources to patients. Stress too has a considerable impact on glaucoma progression. Chronic stress triggers organ dysfunctions, including eye maladies, elevates intraocular pressure (IOP), and may cause vascular dysregulation, leading to partial hypoxia and hypoglycaemia. Additionally, blood pressure extremes, particularly nocturnal hypotension, heighten the risk of primary open-angle glaucoma. Therefore, endorse stress-reducing relaxation techniques and positive communication strategies to your patients. Turning to stimulants, caffeine and alcohol are noteworthy. Studies suggest that patients genetically predisposed to higher IOP levels may experience amplified effects post-caffeine consumption. Similarly, alcohol consumption correlates with increased IOP, thus posing as another modifiable glaucoma risk factor. In these cases, propose moderation in caffeine and alcohol consumption, advocating for gradual reductions and environmental changes to facilitate better habits. In conclusion, considering factors beyond IOP levels — smoking, stress, and stimulants […]

A comprehensive review on the widespread uptake of vaping, including its origins and history, a timeline of discoveries, terminology, epidemiology, its use as a “harm reducer,” clinical presentations of vaping lung injuries (including an overview of the 2019 EVALI outbreak), the pathophysiology of vaping-induced lung injury, clinical aspects including outcomes, COVID-19 considerations, future directions, guidelines, and questions for future research.

In March 2021, the US Preventive Services Task Force expanded the eligibility for lung cancer screening by setting the benchmark at a 20 pack-year smoking history for those ages 50 to 80 years who are current smokers or former smokers who have quit within the past 15 years. The new criteria will boost the number of eligible adults by 87% overall, according to a modeling analysis. It also could reduce lung cancer deaths by 13% versus 10% previously.

According to a press release from April 2021, “the FDA is working toward issuing proposed product standards within the next year to ban menthol as a characterizing flavor in cigarettes and ban all characterizing flavors (including menthol) in cigars.” Acting Commissioner Janet Woodcock, MD, said the agency had now “accumulated sufficient evidence establishing the addictiveness and harm from menthol,” which provides a “trajectory” toward ending tobacco-related disease and death.