Russian health authorities have reported the first case of "popcorn disease," also known as EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury), in a teenage vaper from the Tomsk region. The regional office of Rospotrebnadzor, the Russian consumer protection agency, revealed this information in a recent press release.
According to the report, several cases of illnesses among teenagers have been identified in Tomsk, stemming from the use of e-cigarette smoking mixtures. One patient was diagnosed with EVALI, while another experienced toxic effects on the central nervous system due to these mixtures.
EVALI, or "popcorn disease," is a type of bronchiolitis obliterans that causes inflammation and scarring of the bronchioles, the small airways in the lungs. This leads to their narrowing, causing abnormal lung sounds reminiscent of popcorn – hence the name "popcorn disease." First diagnosed in the United States in 2019, there are currently no effective treatments for this form of bronchiolitis.
Experts believe that the main cause of EVALI is diacetyl, an aromatic substance that is safe to consume but dangerous to inhale. Constant exposure to this component can cause irreversible damage to the respiratory system. Rospotrebnadzor emphasized the need to strengthen control over the distribution of electronic cigarettes, as cases of severe consequences from vaping in adolescents continue to be recorded.
In light of this incident, narcologist Vasily Shurov expressed doubts about the effectiveness of coding teenagers to combat vaping. He noted that there are currently no effective medications for this purpose and that drugs that reduce nicotine cravings are contraindicated for people under 18. Shurov stressed the importance of doctors convincing teenagers to quit smoking by identifying the underlying causes of their addiction.
This case highlights the potential dangers of vaping, particularly among young people, and underscores the need for increased awareness and regulation of e-cigarette products to protect public health.
