Increasing snus use among young people raises asthma concerns in Nordic countries

The use of snus has significantly increased over the last 10 to 15 years, particularly among young people. A new study suggests that snus not only raises the risk of cancer in the mouth, throat, and digestive tract but may also adversely affect lung health. Professor Cecilie Svanes from Haukeland University Hospital indicates that girls who begin using snus before age 16 face higher asthma risks later in life.

In a recent study involving over 9,000 participants in the Nordic countries and Estonia, 26% of men and 14% of women reported starting to use snus before turning 15. The results showed that women who began using snus early were nearly three times more likely to report asthma symptoms than those who never used it. This correlation was not as pronounced in men, and researchers found no connection among those who started using snus after age 15.

Juan Pablo López-Cervantes, a researcher at the University of Bergen, highlights that the long-term health effects of snus, especially compared to smoking, remain uncertain due to a lack of studies. He stresses the importance of awareness regarding the potential risks associated with nicotine products, cautioning younger individuals to think carefully before using them.

The alarming links between early snus use and asthma have drawn concern from young users in Oslo, some admitting addiction despite acknowledging the risks. While the study establishes a concerning trend, experts also warn that the health implications might be broader and warrant further investigations, especially as e-cigarette use becomes more prevalent among youths.