Vaping poses risks to unborn babies – health professionals warn
Vaping during pregnancy can increase the risk of preterm labour and serious complications for newborns, Registered Nurse at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Asantyia Johnson, has warned.
Nurse Johnson’s comments come as health professionals welcome President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s announcement of restrictions on vaping products importation.
Attached to the hospital’s Spirometry Clinic, Johnson explained that preterm labour occurs when a baby is born before the expected time, potentially exposing the infant to serious health complications.
“Preterm labour means giving birth before its time. This will cause the infant to be born with brain and lung damage, and it can also lead to the death of the infant,” Johnson explained.
Consultant Pulmonologist at GPHC, Dr Cedel Fernandes, also threw her support behind the initiative, noting that some adults have switched from traditional cigarettes to vaping under the mistaken impression that it is safer.
“Over the years, we’ve seen an increase in adults who smoke cigarettes switching over to vape, on the impression that vape is safer than cigarettes. But that’s actually not true,” Dr Fernandes said.
Another pulmonologist, Dr Dianelys Sierra, said vaping poses particular concerns for young people because their lungs are still developing.
She explained that vaping can cause inflammation of the airways and interfere with normal lung development, which continues into early adulthood.
Additionally, Head of the Chronic Respiratory Disease Clinic and Spirometry Laboratory Dr Loaleema Bacchus-Ali highlighted the wider respiratory complications associated with vaping.
Dr Bacchus-Ali explained that inhaling the aerosol produced by vaping can irritate and inflame the airways, potentially leading to lung complications, particularly among adolescents whose lungs are still developing.
The respiratory specialist also warned that people nearby may inhale substances released into the air by someone using a vaping device.
Registered Respiratory Therapist, Dr Saleem Hamilah, also endorsed the restrictions, noting the challenges health professionals face when treating patients with severe respiratory illnesses.
He said some patients with a history of smoking and vaping experience serious respiratory complications that can make treatment and weaning from ventilators difficult.
The respiratory therapist called for a coordinated effort involving health professionals, educators, policymakers and other stakeholders to strengthen public education and protect children and young people from the harmful effects of vaping.
The concerns from the health professionals underscore the importance of public awareness and preventive measures as Guyana moves to address the health risks associated with vaping.
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