Teens may view smoking as a symbol of sophistication, but a recent study highlights its far-reaching consequences, including a significantly increased risk of chronic lung disease in adulthood. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Children who start smoking before the age of 15 have a higher risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) than those who start smoking later, according to a study published in the Journal of the COPD Foundation. 27 percent more.

“Our study shows that a person who smoked in childhood has an increased risk of developing COPD, regardless of current smoking status, smoking duration, cigarette pack years and secondhand exposure,” said Dr. Laura Poulin, a pulmonologist at Dartmouth Health. Anything exposed to smoke.” Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, in a news release.

COPD is a progressive lung disease that impairs breathing and worsens over time. There is no cure for COPD, which is often linked to smoking, so prevention is important.

Childhood smoking and COPD risk

The study explored whether smoking during childhood increases the risk of COPD later in life, even taking into account factors such as smoke exposure and smoking history. Researchers analyzed data from more than 10,100 participants in the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study, a long-term federal project examining the health effects of smoking.

– About 29 percent of people who started smoking before the age of 15 developed COPD.

– This is compared with 21 percent of those who started at age 15 or older and just under 8 percent of those who never smoked.

Additionally, early smokers were more likely to be current smokers, had smoked for longer periods, and experienced greater exposure to secondhand smoke. Even after taking these factors into account, childhood smokers still had a higher risk of COPD than those who started smoking later.

“Critical lung development occurs during childhood and early adolescence, making children’s lungs particularly vulnerable to the damage caused by cigarette smoking,” Dr. Paulin said. “These findings highlight the need for stronger public health measures to prevent childhood smoking.”

Ways to keep teenagers away from smoking

Stopping teens from smoking can significantly reduce their risk of long-term health problems like COPD. Here are some practical tips for parents and guardians:

Educate about the risks: Share studies like this one that emphasize the lifelong consequences of smoking, including COPD, heart disease and cancer.

Be a role model: Avoid smoking yourself, as teens are more likely to smoke if they see adults in their lives doing so.

Open communication: Create a safe space for your teen to discuss peer pressure or curiosities about smoking. Provide guidance without judgment.

Highlight short-term effects: Discuss how smoking causes bad breath, stained teeth, and decreased athletic performance – issues that teens can immediately relate to.

Encourage healthy habits: Get your teen involved in sports, hobbies or activities that promote physical and mental health, leaving less room for harmful habits.

Monitor peer influence: Be aware of their friend groups and educate them about the risks of following harmful trends.

Take advantage of technology: Use apps and online resources designed to educate teens about smoking and help prevent them from starting.

Get the latest news live on Times Now with breaking news and top headlines from around the world.