What are e-cigarettes?

E-cigarettes are battery-powered electronic devices that heat a liquid that often contains nicotine, artificial flavors, and other substances such as propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin. This liquid turns into a spray that is inhaled through the device. The term "Vaping" is used to refer to the process of inhaling this spray.

The evolution of electronic smoking devices:

E-cigarettes have gone through four generations over time, and these generations vary in their design and use:

1. The first generation: simple, disposable devices designed to mimic traditional cigarettes.

2. The second generation: rechargeable devices that contain cartridges that can be refilled.

3. The third generation: known as "Mods" devices, and are characterized by their ability to adjust the voltage and other settings according to the user's desire.

4. The fourth generation: "Pod Mods" devices, which are smaller and more advanced, and use nicotine salts instead of traditional nicotine, making inhalation less irritating to the throat and more impactful on health.

E-cigarette components and their health effects:

E-cigarettes contain several basic components, each of which has potential health effects:

· Nicotine: A highly addictive substance that negatively affects cardiovascular health, causing increased heart rate and blood pressure, and is associated with changes in blood vessel function.

· Propylene glycol and glycerin: They are used as moisturizers to produce the spray, but inhaling them in large quantities may lead to respiratory irritation and respiratory problems.

· Flavors and sweeteners: These substances add appeal to the product, but they may be toxic when heated, leading to respiratory infections.

· Heavy metals: such as nickel and chromium, which are sometimes released during use, increasing the risk of cancer and respiratory and heart diseases.

Health effects of e-cigarettes:

Studies indicate that there are acute and chronic health effects resulting from the use of e-cigarettes:

1. Acute effects:

· High blood pressure and increased heart rate.

· Circulatory disorders and impaired vascular function.

· Respiratory irritation and damage to lung cells.

2. Chronic effects:

· Risk of cardiovascular disease.

· Possibility of developing chronic inflammation and complications in the lungs.

· Accumulation of toxic substances and heavy metals in the body over time, thus causing malignant cancers.

Electronic cigarettes compared to traditional smoking:

Despite expectations that electronic cigarettes would achieve health goals to reduce the harms of smoking, they have not effectively achieved this goal. The number of traditional tobacco smokers has decreased, but the number of e-cigarette users has increased significantly, leading to an increase in addiction cases. The result is that tobacco and e-cigarette companies have made their profits, while millions of people have lost their health.

Prepared by Dr. Moaz Mohammed Moataz Al-Mahaini.

Sources and references:

1. Isik Andrikopoulos G., Farsalinos K., Poulas K. (2019). "Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and their relevance in oral health." Toxics, 7(4):61. DOI: 10.3390/toxics7040061.

2. Farsalinos K.E., Romagna G., Tsiapras D., et al. (2014). "Characteristics, perceived side effects, and benefits of electronic cigarette use: a worldwide survey." Int J Environ Res Public Health, 11(4):4356-73. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph110404356.

3.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2016). “E-Cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults: A Report of the Surgeon General.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

4. Jason J. Rose, Suchitra Krishnan-Sarin, Vernat J. Exil, et al. (2023). “Cardiopulmonary Impact of Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping Products.” Circulation. DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001160.

5. David Bernhard et al. (2024). "Vaping Versus Smoking: Are Electronic-Cigarettes the Savior?" Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, 44(5):1012-1015. DOI: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.123.319575.

Perhaps the most important thing that attracts attention in shoe shopping stores is high heel shoes, but have you ever wondered about the dangers and health disadvantages related to them?

High heels and tight shoes cause many back and feet pains, in addition to causing many deformities, of which the hallux valgus is the most common.

It is a pathological condition in which a bony protrusion appears on the joint at the base of the big toe, which leads to its deviation towards the rest of the toes.

Women are more likely to suffer from this deformity, as a result of wearing tight shoes and high-heeled shoes, in addition to the presence of other factors that predispose to infection, such as the genetic factor, obesity, flat feet, and some chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

This condition leads to many symptoms whose severity varies according to the degree of deformity, starting with mild pain to reach inflammation and defective deformation in the shape of the foot, which leads to chronic pain that accompanies the patient throughout his life.

Hallux valgus treatment

Management of this condition requires two types of treatments:

One of them is pain relief using NSAID's and corticosteroid injections.

And the other is by using physical therapy, wearing flexible shoes, and reducing excess weight. In some severe cases, we may have to perform surgery in order to relieve the patient from the severe pain he suffers from. To prevent the occurrence of injury or to reduce its severity, it is recommended to follow the following instructions:

• Exercising daily and periodically without stressing the feet.
• Use appropriate medical shoes for the foot.
• Not wearing high heels.

Prepared by Dr.: Moaz Muhammad Moataz Al-Mahaini.

Linguistic proofreading: Lana Muhammad Moataz al-Mahaini.

Sources and references

Bunion. (n.d)

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002211/

Bunions. (2012, September)

orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00155

Bunions (hallux abducto valgus). (n.d.)

foothealthfacts.org/footankleinfo/bunions.htm

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014, February 11). Bunions

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bunions/home/ovc-20262028

Gestational diabetes is defined as diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and is characterized by an increase in the blood sugar levels of the expectant mother. Gestational diabetes is one of the most important health problems facing pregnant women, and its proper diagnosis and treatment is vital for the health of the mother and fetus.

Definition of gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs when hormonal production increases in the body of the expectant mother, which leads to increased levels of sugar in the blood. This is caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce enough insulin, which is required to convert sugar into energy. And the high level of sugar in the blood affects the development of the fetus and the health of the expectant mother.

Causes of gestational diabetes

The reasons can be genetic, as the chances of developing gestational diabetes increase in women who have diabetes in their families. Excess weight, an unhealthy diet, and an inactive life also increase the risk of gestational diabetes.

Symptoms of gestational diabetes

Some people feel that there are no symptoms of gestational diabetes, but in some cases symptoms can include:

• Excessive thirst and excessive hunger.
• Frequent urination.
• Exhaustion and fatigue.
• Muscle spasm.
• Headache.
• Nausea or vomiting.

Although these symptoms aren't always obvious, they warrant blood sugar levels for a diagnosis of gestational diabetes.

Prevention of gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes can be prevented through lifestyle changes, such as:

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Do regular exercise.
• Eat healthy and balanced meals.
• Maintaining blood sugar levels within the normal range.

Gestational diabetes treatment

Treatment options for gestational diabetes vary according to each case, and treatment includes:

• Lifestyle changes: This includes improving your diet and exercising regularly to help lower your blood sugar levels.
• Medication: Doctors can prescribe medications to keep blood sugar levels regular, and this usually includes insulin or oral medications.
• Pregnancy follow-up: The pregnant mother must follow up her condition accurately and regularly with the attending physician, and perform the necessary tests to monitor blood sugar levels and the health of the fetus.
• Childbirth: The expectant mother must undergo specific health care during the delivery period, and a cesarean delivery may be required in some cases.

Diagnosis

Gestational diabetes is usually diagnosed by checking blood sugar levels after eating breakfast, and in pregnant women, this test should be done periodically during pregnancy. The primary test for gestational diabetes is the oral glucose tolerance test, in which the blood glucose level is checked after a specific amount of glucose is consumed. If blood sugar levels are high, gestational diabetes is diagnosed.

Complications

Failure to properly manage gestational diabetes may lead to serious complications during pregnancy and childbirth, including:

• Increased risk of high blood pressure, which can lead to serious complications such as cerebral hemorrhage and heart disease.
• Increased risk of vaginitis and cystitis, which can cause pain, swelling, and itching.
• Increased risk of premature birth, which may lead to serious complications for the baby such as poor breathing and pneumonia.
• Increased risk of surgical infections during childbirth, which can lead to uterine bleeding and trauma.

Therefore, pregnant women with gestational diabetes have to follow up their condition regularly with their physician and follow a healthy lifestyle and appropriate treatment to avoid these potential complications.

Prevention of gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes can be prevented through lifestyle changes, such as:

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Do regular exercise.
• Eat healthy and balanced meals.
• Maintaining blood sugar levels within the normal range.

Gestational diabetes treatment

Treatment options for gestational diabetes vary according to each case, and treatment includes:

• Lifestyle changes: This includes improving your diet and exercising regularly to help lower your blood sugar levels.
• Medication: Doctors can prescribe medications to keep blood sugar levels regular, and this usually includes insulin or oral medications.
• Pregnancy follow-up: The pregnant mother must follow up her condition accurately and regularly with the attending physician, and perform the necessary tests to monitor blood sugar levels and the health of the fetus.
• Childbirth: The expectant mother must undergo specific health care during the delivery period, and a cesarean delivery may be required in some cases

Ultimately, expectant mothers must carefully monitor their condition and seriously deal with gestational diabetes, which can lead to serious complications for the mother and fetus. A healthy lifestyle and appropriate treatment should be adhered to to prevent these complications and ensure the health of the mother and fetus.