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| - Last Updated on July 17, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
An Instagram post claims that inflating balloons can prevent cancers and heart attacks. After fact checking, we term this claim as False.
The Claim
According to an Instagram post, you can prevent oral, throat, and lung cancers, as well as heart attacks, by inflating balloons. The post suggests that inflating balloons for ten minutes every day can provide these alleged health benefits.
Fact check
How does cancer form?
Cancer is a complex group of diseases characterised by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. The development of cancer involves multiple stages, starting from genetic mutations in cells. Various factors can trigger this, such as smoking, radiation, viruses, carcinogens, and inherited genetic predispositions. These mutations lead to the transformation of normal cells into cancerous ones, which can then invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
What causes a sudden heart attack?
A heart attack is medically known as a myocardial infarction. Heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked for a long enough time that part of the heart muscle is damaged or dies. The main cause of heart attacks is coronary artery disease, where the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked by plaque (a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances). When a plaque ruptures, a blood clot forms and obstructs the artery, leading to a heart attack. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet, and genetic factors.
Does inflating balloons prevent oral, throat, and lung cancers?
No, inflating balloons cannot prevent oral, throat and lung cancers for life. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that inflating balloons can prevent oral, throat, or lung cancers. Cancer prevention strategies generally depend on reducing exposure to known risk factors. For oral, throat, and lung cancers, the primary risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and exposure to carcinogenic substances. We recommend regular medical check-ups, vaccinations (e.g., HPV vaccine), maintaining a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption measures for reducing the risk of these cancers.
Inflating balloons basically exercises the respiratory muscles, which can improve lung function and capacity. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma. However, there is no direct link between such respiratory exercises and cancer prevention. Claims suggesting otherwise lack empirical support and scientific validation.
What does an oncologist say about cancer prevention?
We reached out to Dr Pooja Khullar, a Radiation Oncologist at Dharamshila Narayana Super Speciality Hospital in New Delhi, for her insights on cancer prevention. She emphasises, “There is no single food or exercise that can fully prevent cancer. Prevention requires a comprehensive strategy that includes a nutritious diet with ample fruits and vegetables, regular physical activity, minimising exposure to carcinogens, avoiding smoking and alcohol, protecting against prolonged sun exposure, and getting regular medical check-ups. I recommend a holistic approach to health and consulting healthcare professionals for personalised advice.”
Does inflating balloons prevent heart attacks?
No, inflating balloons cannot prevent heart attacks. The claim that inflating balloons can prevent heart attacks is also unsubstantiated by scientific research. Respiratory exercises, including those that involve deep breathing and increased lung capacity, can contribute to overall cardiovascular health by improving oxygenation and reducing stress. But, they do not directly prevent heart attacks.
Preventing heart attacks involves managing risk factors such as a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding smoking, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and managing stress. Cardiovascular exercises like walking, running, and swimming are well-documented for their benefits in promoting heart health. However, there is no evidence to suggest that inflating balloons can replace these proven preventive measures.
What does a physician say about inflating balloons and heart attack prevention?
We interviewed Dr Sumit Soni, MBBS (General Medicine), FICC, EECP, an Intensivist in Cardiac Emergency and Cardiac ICU at Krishna Heart & General Hospital, Jaipur, for his take on inflating balloons and heart attack prevention. He says, “Inflating balloons provides several benefits. It strengthens the respiratory system, increases breath-holding time, and helps prevent asthma and COPD symptoms. Additionally, it can reduce mental stress and aggression. For cardiac health, inflating balloons may work similarly to yoga practices such as anulom vilom. This method can help open collateral vessels inside the myocardium, leading to increased or maintained perfusion of the coronary artery, thereby reducing the risk of angina and, consequently, heart attacks.”
He further informs us about the mechanism behind this, “The mechanism involves releasing nitric oxide in the system through balloon inflation and anulom vilom, which stimulates the release of endothelial growth factor. This promotes neo-angiogenesis, or the formation of new microvessels, enhancing cardiac perfusion. However, even though this can enhance cardiac and respiratory function, inflating balloons alone cannot prevent heart attacks for life.”
What are the benefits of inflating balloons?
Inflating balloons can provide certain health benefits, particularly for respiratory and pulmonary function. This activity can strengthen the respiratory muscles, including the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, by promoting deep breathing and increasing lung capacity. It can be beneficial for individuals with respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, as it helps improve overall lung function and oxygenation. Additionally, the focused and rhythmic nature of inflating balloons can have a calming effect, potentially reducing stress and anxiety. However, while these benefits are noteworthy, they do not extend to preventing cancers or heart attacks as some claims suggest.
What are the harms of inflating balloons everyday?
Inflating balloons every day can pose several potential harms, particularly if done excessively or improperly. This activity can cause hyperventilation, leading to dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting, and strain respiratory muscles, potentially causing fatigue or injury. Latex balloons may trigger allergic reactions, leading to respiratory distress, and sudden bursts can cause loud noises, potentially damaging hearing or causing facial injuries. Additionally, synthetic balloons can shed nanoplastics, which become airborne and can get inhaled, which can lead to respiratory issues and systemic health problems. Emerging research suggests that inhaling nanoplastics can induce lung inflammation, contribute to oxidative stress, and affect other organs. Therefore, we advise caution with frequent balloon inflation.
Conclusion
The claim that inflating balloons can prevent cancers and heart attacks is false. Respiratory exercises have certain health benefits. But, they do not specifically prevent cancer or heart attacks. Social media is filled with posts which go viral for claims like Buddhi Mudra can prevent cancers, eating turmeric for cancer prevention, these too, remain unsubstantiated by available academic research. It is important to rely on evidence-based practices and medical advice for disease prevention and to be cautious of health claims circulating on social media without scientific backing.
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