Smoking
Asthma mortality rates higher in China than in the US, but the gap is closing
China had a higher asthma mortality rate than the United States between 1990 and 2019, driven by smoking, high BMI and age, but this gap narrowed with time, according to a study published in the Chinese Medical Journal.
Q&A: Nicotine pouches not as effective in curbing cravings as cigarettes
Oral nicotine pouches did not relieve nicotine cravings as well as cigarettes after 5 minutes of use, according to a study published in Addiction.
Rheumatologists influential in smoking cessation for patients with ankylosing spondylitis
A rheumatologist’s decision to ask about tobacco use may potentially be the leading factor in whether a patient with ankylosing spondylitis quits smoking, according to data published in Cureus.
Proposed rule banning menthol cigarettes, flavored cigars further delayed
The date for the FDA’s finalized rule to prohibit menthol in cigarettes and flavors in cigars is now listed as March 2024.
Cigarette smoking declines among young adults, but e-cigarette use increases to new high
Cigarette smoking has decreased among young adults in the United States, but nearly 15% reported regularly using e-cigarettes in 2021, a level higher than previously reported, according to study findings published in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Smoking abstinence in pregnancy more likely with e-cigarettes vs. nicotine replacement
Pregnant women were more likely to abstain from smoking in late pregnancy with use of e-cigarettes compared with nicotine replacement, especially if e-cigarette use started before pregnancy, researchers reported in JAMA Network Open.
Current smoking can shorten telomere length, speed up aging process
Current smoking status was related to shortened leucocyte telomere length, signaling faster aging among cigarette smokers, according to a presentation at the European Respiratory Society International Congress.
FDA says proposed rule banning menthol cigarettes is ‘top of our priorities’ despite delay
By August 2023, the FDA was expected to have a finalized rule to prohibit menthol in cigarettes; however, no ruling has been issued.
‘Tricky public health message’: Smoking, junk food boost lupus risk, alcohol reduces risk
SAN DIEGO — Although genetics heavily influence patient risk for developing lupus, it is critical to also be aware of “environmental and lifestyle factors,” according to a speaker at the Congress of Clinical Rheumatology West 2023 meeting.
Underage smoking increases nicotine dependence, making cessation more difficult
People who started smoking before the legal age smoked more cigarettes per day and had greater nicotine dependence and lower rates of smoking cessation vs. those who initiated after the legal age, researchers reported.