What are the side effects of vaping?
Remember seeing those vaping devices everywhere? Or you might have tried one of them? You thought they were harmless, right? But it’s time to be accurate. Is vaping as safe as you believe it?
A lot of you might think that vaping is a better choice as compared to smoking cigarettes. But is that true? It’s time to clear all the air about this.
Vaping, once recognized as a harmless substitute for traditional cigarettes, has now started to show its ugly side to things.
Over time, there has been an increase in research and studies that demonstrate the harmful effects of vaping on health. Though e-cigarettes don’t contain tar or other poisonous chemicals, they are still extremely far from being harmless or non-toxic.
To add more harm to it, vaping can be addictive as well. It’s high time to find out everything about Vaping and the side effects of vaping as well.
Let’s Understand the Science behind Vaping: The Harmful Effects of Vaping
Popularly known as the safer alternative to smoking, E-cigarettes or vapes are electronic devices that deliver Nicotine, flavorings, and other similar yet poisonous chemicals in the form of an aerosol. The user inhales this vapor, which mimics and feels identical to the act of smoking. A lot of smokers recognize and see Vaping as an activity that is less harmful in comparison to cigarettes. Vaping offers a variety of flavors, helps with social acceptance, and benefits the manufacturers in doing aggressive marketing promotions where they target specially target young people.
How vaping affects your body and health?
Lung Damage: The first thing that happens when you smoke/vape is damage to your lungs. Here are a few primary diseases that majorly happen –
1. Bronchiolitis Obliterans
Popularly known as Popcorn Lung, Bronchiolitis Obliterans is a lifelong and irreversible lung disease caused by inhaling diacetyl, a popular chemical used in e-liquid flavorings. This condition results in scarring of the lung’s tiny airways, which causes breathing issues.
2. EVALI
Known as the complete form of E-cigarette, or Vaping, vaping-associated lung injury is a severe lung condition that was diagnosed first in 2019. The condition is identified by symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, pain in the chest, and tiredness. Though the exact reason for this disease is still under the books, researchers believe that it is related to vaping and using other products that contain Vitamin E or Acetate.
3. Chronic Lung Diseases – Vaping for a long time leads to the development of chronic lung diseases such as COPD, which is identified by continuous breathing issues.
Heart Diseases – Your path to reducing your age
1. High BP and high heart rate
The main component of e-cigarettes, Nicotine, is a harmful chemical that increases heart rate along with blood pressure, which pressurizes and damages the cardiovascular system.
2. Damage to Arteries
Vape juice contains chemicals that can harm blood vessel walls, leading to a condition known as atherosclerosis. In this condition, plaque builds up in the walls of arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
3. More Heart Attacks in Young Individuals
E-cigarettes are known to increase the risk of heart attack, especially in young individuals.
More Than Side Effects and Diseases: Nicotine Addiction
1. Addiction to Nicotine
The primary component of E-cigarettes is nicotine, which is a highly addictive component that leads to dependence on Nicotine and withdrawal symptoms when smokers try to give up smoking.
2. Path to Smoking starts with Vaping.
Several studies have shown that young individuals who start vaping are more prone to switch from just vaping to Cigarette Smoking.
3. Adverse Effects of Brain Development
Nicotine is known to negatively affect brain development in young individuals, which affects their cognitive function, mood, and behavior.
Away from Physical Health Consequences: Oral Health Issues
1. Dry Mouth
Vaping is significantly known to reduce the production of saliva, which in turn leads to dry mouth. This leads to an increased risk of tooth decay, gum diseases, and a potential cause of bad breath as well.
2. Mouth Ulcers and Sores
A lot of harmful chemicals in vape juice are known to contribute to oral tissue irritation, which in turn causes mouth sores and ulcers.
Additional deadly yet possible Threats
1. More Risk of Cancer
Though the research on this is still ongoing, a lot of studies have showcased a strong link between vaping and certain types of cancer, primarily lung cancer.
2. Reproductive Health Problems
Evidence gathered from studies and research shows a strong link between vaping negatively affecting fertility in both males and females while also affecting pregnancy outcomes in females.
3. Mental Health Problems
Nicotine is known to cause mental health issues or worsen existing conditions like anxiety, depression, etc.
The Desperate Need for Prevention
With the increase in evidence that demonstrates the continuous rise in diseases due to vaping, it is essential to prevent people, especially young individuals, from vaping. Several strategies to follow are –
- Educational Programs that talk and help people understand the harmful consequences of vaping.
- More harsh restrictions and regulations are needed on the marketing, promotion, advertising, and selling of e-advertising.
- Increasing the price and tax of these products makes them affordable for fewer people.
- Free Nicotine addiction programs for those trying to give up smoking.
Conclusion
With a lot of evidence showcasing the potential danger of vaping, it is evident that it’s not a safe alternative to smoking. The long-term risks of vaping are devastating and life-threatening. It is essential to spread precise yet accurate information about vaping and promote the need for health policies that support people in quitting smoking.
