Smoking, Coughing and Respiratory Problems Before 30 If You Start When You’re Young
VIENNA – The negative effects of smoking on the lungs of adolescents have long-term consequences. Teens who start smoking before the age of 18 are more likely to experience respiratory symptoms such as cough, breathing abnormalities, and phlegm before they turn 30.
This is supported by research conducted by researchers at Umeå University in Sweden, presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress currently underway in Vienna. According to the study, those who take up this habit before reaching adulthood are 80% more likely to show respiratory symptoms once they grow up.
“This study shows us that it doesn’t necessarily take decades to develop respiratory symptoms caused by smoking. We can already see a significant association in young adults,” explained the study coordinator. Linnea Hedman.
The research on 3,430 people
The study analyzed data from 3,430 people, now adults, who were involved in a study starting when they were 8 years old and filled out a questionnaire annually until they were 19 years old.
Participants then filled out a new questionnaire at age 28. The analysis revealed that those who started smoking before age 18 were 80 percent more likely to experience respiratory symptoms when they grew up, with phlegm, cough, and wheezing being the most common symptoms.
“It is likely that exposure to tobacco smoke at a young age increases the risk of respiratory symptoms because the lungs are still developing and are more vulnerable to damage,” Hedman added.
The data on smoking
According to Eurostat in Europe, 16.7% of males and 11.2% of females aged between 15 and 24 smoke regularly.
In Italy, already between the ages of 13 and 15, one in five children smokes traditional cigarettes daily, while 18% use electronic cigarettes. Consumption generally begins during adolescence, often even earlier: in 2018, almost 100 thousand children tried smoking before the age of 12.
Smoking and children
“Across Europe and the rest of the world, there are still significant numbers of children and adolescents who smoke cigarettes,” he commented. Des Coxmember of the European Respiratory Society’s tobacco control committee – .We need laws and support to help children and young people avoid smoking or stop.”
Several studies point out the damage caused by traditional cigarettes, but there is also growing concern for electronic cigarettes. Many young people are ‘vaping’, attracted by a colorful device that is considered less harmful.
Data says that as early as the age of 10, people light up their first cigarette or, even more often, start vaping.
E-cigarettes and sports: kids who ‘vape’ perform worse in stress tests
from our correspondent Valeria Pini
57.9% of adolescent smokers choose the electronic cigarette. And in Vienna a research was presented in which it is reported that the boys who smoke traditional ‘blondes’ or e-cigs have shortness of breath and more difficulties when they decide to train.
How bad are e-cigarettes?
