{"id":1280,"date":"2018-12-07T14:20:40","date_gmt":"2018-12-07T14:20:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/case-reports\/?p=1280"},"modified":"2019-01-16T16:56:30","modified_gmt":"2019-01-16T16:56:30","slug":"making-a-difference-by-changing-health-behaviors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/case-reports\/2018\/12\/07\/making-a-difference-by-changing-health-behaviors\/","title":{"rendered":"Making a difference by changing health behaviors"},"content":{"rendered":"

As an alternative to a traditional cigarette, an electronic nicotine delivery system, or vaping, is becoming more popular around the globe. Over half of the world\u2019s population live in the 62 countries that have available mechanisms for vaping.[1]<\/sup><\/a><\/span> In the case report, \u201cBeliefs and reality of e-cigarette smoking,\u201d Menakuru et al report that an overwhelming 94% of 680 students said that e-cigarettes did not cause any harm to the body. They describe a patient who had never smoke a traditional cigarette. \u201c[H]e admitted to smoking e-cigarettes throughout the day during his free time while driving, between meals and even during breaks at work\u2026. His nicotine consumption would be about 192 mg\/day.\u201d The patient lost his job and was unable to continue purchasing the necessary materials for vaping. As a result, the patient was diagnosed with nicotine withdrawal after presenting with \u201cdiaphoresis, restlessness, tachycardia, chills, nausea and a temperature of 38.3\u201d which occurred after abrupt cessation of his smoking habits.<\/p>\n

A study surveying marketing techniques for tobacco in countries across the globe, \u201cdetected substantially higher levels of tobacco marketing in the lower-income countries.[2]<\/sup><\/a><\/span> The use is particularly pronounced among students.[3]<\/sup><\/a> Despite some experts saying vaping is, \u201c\u201995% safer\u2019\u2026. A BMJ report brought out the problems with the [claim, and]\u2026 can make one question [the experts\u2019] scientific credibility.\u201d The case report quotes the multiple health risks associated with vaping, including the amount of nicotine, the inflammation present in the air was, and even toxic heavy metal exposure.<\/p>\n

The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) released a report on electronic nicotine delivery systems.[1]<\/sup><\/a><\/span> While the FCTC has long stood against traditional cigarettes, this report also took a strong stance on vaping. This is a method which is pushed by some as a healthy alternative to traditional tobacco, but its efficacy in stopping traditional cigarette use has never been shown. The FCTC invited all countries to combat the rapid expansion of vaping with education, forbidding sale to minors, limiting advertising, prosecuting false health claims and monitoring among other interventions.<\/p>\n

The regulatory fight against tobacco has in many ways been successful in many locations. Vaping, however, presents a new public health challenge that many practitioners may not be prepared to face. As health care professionals, part of advocating for our patients is ensuring their safety against predatory corporations which would trade their life and health for financial gain. Political action, education and treatment all play roles this endeavor.<\/span><\/p>\n

BMJ Case Reports invites authors to submit global health case reports that describe the effects of health behaviors. These cases could focus on:<\/span><\/p>\n