The rise in the popularity of vaping has been staggering especially in teens. According to the findings of a recent study that found that 37 percent of high school seniors have reported using vaping in 2018, a rise from 28% in the previous year. It’s estimated that 2.1 million middle or high schoolers used electronic cigarettes in 2017. That number increased to 3.6 million in 2018. Absolutely, age-related restrictions that make it illegal to sell electronic cigarettes to anyone younger than 21, (18 and 19 in certain states) but they aren’t hindering the use of e-cigarettes among teenagers and young adults. More than seven million people aged 18 or over overuse electronic cigarettes according to an analysis conducted by the CDC.
E-cigarettes are powered by a battery that heats the liquid to create vapors or, more precise aerosols — which users can take in (thus “vaping”). These devices can heat various flavors, including marijuana, nicotine, and other dangerous substances. Nicotine is addicting, no doubt. While this fact is prominently highlighted in advertisements, however, we have learned from our experiences with normal cigarettes that the warning signs do not always perform!
Recent reports suggest that vaping can cause lung diseases.
There are lung issues that include two deaths one in Illinois and the other two within Illinois in Illinois and an additional one from Oregon that are linked to smoking vape. As per the CDC:
Around 200 users of e-cigarettes have been diagnosed with lung cancer across 23 states (and the numbers continue to rise according to an article in the Washington Post article reported the number as 354). The majority of cases occurred among teenagers and young adults.
Experts aren’t certain if smoking vape has caused lung issues However, they believe that the most likely cause is the presence of a contaminant that is but not an infectious agent. There are many possibilities for chemical irritation or reactions of an immune or allergic nature to different chemicals or chemicals in the vapors that are inhaled.
Typically, symptoms begin slowly, with shortness of breath or chest pain, before becoming the breathing difficulties became more severe and caused hospital admission.
Lung disease hasn’t been associated with a particular kind of electronic cigarette.
The FDA, CDC, and state health officials are currently investigating these instances to determine the exact cause(s) and to determine how to treat and prevent these cases.
We don’t know much about the link between smoking and lung disease
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It’s not known how often vaping can cause lung problems or who’s most at risk. For instance, is lung issues more frequent among those who have breathing issues (such as asthma) or who smoke marijuana? Are lung problems more prevalent in younger people? Do e-cigarettes contribute to an increase in lung cancer? Is an additional substance (such as marijuana) or another contaminant responsible? Because the FDA doesn’t actively regulate electronic cigarettes, it’s a bit difficult to determine the cause.
Other health risks linked to smoking
The recent, tragic and alarming cases of lung disease that is severe have raised a lot of concern. There are a variety of equally alarming health issues:
Nicotine is extremely addictive and may alter the development of the brain which could harm adolescents or young adults. Even “nicotine-free” electronic cigarettes have been discovered to contain nicotine.
Certain substances in vapors from e-cigarettes have been linked to an increase in the chance of developing cancer.
Teens who use vapes tend to start smoking cigarettes.
Burns and explosions have been reported in e-cigarettes charging them due to defective batteries.
The accidental exposure to liquids from electronic cigarettes can cause acute nicotine poisoning among children and adults.
Vaping during pregnancy may cause harm to a growing fetus.
How vaping impacts our general health isn’t clear.
What are the advantages?
Alongside the pleasure vaping can bring, there is evidence that suggests vaping can help some smokers quit smoking. But, how it compares to nicotine patches and other ways for quitting smoking isn’t certain. As of now, it appears that it appears that the FDA has not accepted the use of vapes as a method for smoking-free. A lot of smokers who smoke vape still use cigarettes and electronic cigarettes.
The CDC’s position is “E-cigarettes could help adult smokers who aren’t pregnant, if they are utilized as a replacement for regular cigarettes as well as other tobacco products that smoke.” However, the FDA cautions against vaping because it is “not suitable for children or pregnant women, young adults or those who are not currently using cigarettes.”
The balance between the advantages and dangers of vaping is difficult to judge. We aren’t sure what’s contained in electronic cigarettes. The FDA is not able to control these products. There is also no information on the long-term health effects.
The final line
It’s possible that vaping can be considered as something that’s a “lesser of bad things” for those who smoke cigarettes. It’s also clear that there’s some information regarding vaping that we’re not aware of. One method to learn more is through reporting potential health issues related to vaping to the FDA You could notify them whether you’ve experienced such issues.
In the meantime be cautious about using a vape. State and federal authorities suggest abstaining from all vaping until we know more. If you opt to use vaping, stay clear of electronic cigarettes purchased “off on the streets” and stick to the brand-name products that do not require modifications (such as the addition of marijuana or other substances).
These instances of serious lung disease in people who use vapes raise questions regarding the security of vaping. We shouldn’t be too surprised that lung issues can develop among those who smoke because our lungs are designed to breathe clean air and not do anything other than that. It took years to realize the harm smoking cigarettes could cause. We may be in the same situation when it comes to smoking vape.