E-cigarette Smoking More Deadly Than Lung Cancer... "May Die Within 5 Years"

'Obliterative Bronchiolitis (BOS)' Patients Have a 95% Mortality Risk Within 5 Years

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[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Nayeon] It has been claimed that patients diagnosed with 'Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome (BOS)' caused by electronic cigarette smoking have up to a 95% chance of dying within five years.

The British Daily Mail recently reported that Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, director of the Tobacco Treatment Clinic at Johns Hopkins University, stated, "Bronchiolitis obliterans caused by electronic cigarette smoking is more fatal than lung cancer."

Bronchiolitis obliterans is known as a disease that can occur in patients who have undergone lung transplant surgery. Patients with bronchiolitis obliterans show airway fibrosis symptoms in their lungs, during which a significant portion of lung function is lost. Death can occur if the lungs close up.

Bronchiolitis obliterans became known as "Popcorn lung" after cases repeatedly occurred among workers who had long been employed at a popcorn production factory in the early 2000s in the United States.

Dr. Galiatsatos explained, "Bronchiolitis obliterans occurs when the lungs sustain significant damage after inhaling malignant chemicals or infection," adding, "It causes breathing difficulties, coughing, and chest pain."

Electronic cigarette vendors denied these claims, stating, "They are less harmful than regular cigarettes and actually help with smoking cessation."

However, recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) withdrew all electronic cigarette products from a company due to concerns about harmful chemicals and increased youth smoking, reigniting controversy over the safety of electronic cigarettes.

Earlier, on the 23rd of last month (local time), the FDA banned the sale and distribution of the electronic cigarette 'Juul' within the United States.

The FDA explained that the company submitted insufficient or conflicting data regarding the potential risks of using Juul electronic cigarettes, including the possibility of leaking potentially harmful chemicals.

Meanwhile, Dr. Galiatsatos said, "The FDA banned electronic cigarette devices with fruit flavors to prevent the increase in youth smoking. This measure is very desirable," but added, "However, youths have already experienced electronic cigarettes. Without strong measures, it will be difficult to reduce youth smoking rates."

He expressed concern, saying, "Tobacco itself is dangerous and contains various chemicals that cause multiple types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and more," and predicted, "The number of respiratory disease patients caused by electronic cigarettes will sharply increase within decades." He also advised, "The fortunate thing is that the treatment for bronchiolitis obliterans is similar to that for asthma. If you show related suspicious symptoms, visit a hospital immediately."