Everything You Need to Know About Vaping
November 1, 2022
Writer: Megan Hoying
Editor: Lynn Sabieddine
Vaping has become increasingly popular over the past couple of years. Over 2 million middle and high school students have used e-cigarettes in 2021, according to the 2021 National Youth Tobacco Survey. There are many reasons why vaping became so quickly popular in our generation, including the social pressures, the low cost, and the mentality that it is a safe drug to use. But, do we really know what’s being put into our bodies and the potential harm it may be causing?
What is vaping?
A vape is a device that heats up a liquid, which turns into an aerosol that is inhaled into your lungs. Coincidentally, it’s the same technology as a nebulizer, which people with asthma or allergies are familiar with. Although, instead of inhaling a medication that coats your lungs to improve symptoms, you are inhaling e-liquid.
What chemicals are in e-liquid?
The e-liquid in vapes typically contains flavoring, aromatic additives, nicotine, and sometimes THC. Which of these chemicals can possibly be causing you harm? Vitamin E may be the root of the problem. People who have been vaping for a while have been discovered to have vitamin E deep in their lungs, which causes both inflammation and irritation.
Is vaping better than smoking?
You are exposed to over 7,000 chemicals when you inhale cigarette smoke, and although there isn’t concrete information on the chemicals in vapes, we know that vapes expose you to fewer chemicals when inhaled. That doesn’t mean you’re in the clear though. As of 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that there were over 2,800 cases of e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI). Of those 2,800, 68 died as a result of the disease. The common factor amongst all patients was vitamin E acetate - found in all of the patients’ lung fluid samples.
Is vaping addictive?
Yes. Very. Research shows that nicotine is shown to be as addictive as heroin and cocaine. It can cause withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop, so most people have a difficult time quitting.
Can vaping hurt my lungs?
As mentioned before, the chemicals in the vape are very bad for the lungs. There have been cases of popcorn lungs, spontaneous pneumothorax (lung collapse), lipoid pneumonia, and EVALI all from vaping.
Are there any other consequences of vaping?
Especially in developing brains, nicotine can cause memory, self-control, and attention problems. Nicotine can also worsen depression and anxiety. Nicotine can also increase adrenaline and spike your blood pressure, increasing your heart rate. Because vaping is a relatively new product, there’s little research on what is actually in it. As we find out more, though, more and more consequences related to vaping are being exposed.
How can I quit?
The sooner you quit, the sooner your lungs can heal. Put reminders in your phone to not vape. Stop setting aside money to buy vapes and nicotine. Let your friends know so they can help you and hold you accountable.
If you use it as a social crutch at parties, put a red solo cup in your hand instead.
If you do it when you're bored, get a water bottle with a straw to give the same suctioning feeling.
If you do it when you're stressed, find other coping mechanisms like going for a walk, yoga, or coloring.
Also, try and keep your hands busy, with activities such as making lanyards or knitting.
If you need to keep your mouth busy, try chewing gum or your favorite candies.
You may start to feel withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, a cranky or depressed mood, and trouble sleeping. Remember that those withdrawal symptoms only last a few days, and you will start to feel better within a couple of days or weeks. The pain of withdrawal is worth the long-term effects of quitting vaping. While vaping may be a social norm in college, it does not mean it won’t affect your health in the long run.
Sources:
Blaha, Michael Joseph. “5 Vaping Facts You Need to Know.” 5 Vaping Facts You Need to Know | Johns Hopkins Medicine, 20 Jan. 2022, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/5-truths-you-need-to-know-about-vaping.
“E-Cigarette, or Vaping Product, Use Associated Lung Injury (EVALI).” Yale Medicine, Yale Medicine, 11 Aug. 2022, https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/evali#:~:text=EVALI%20is%20a%20serious%20medical,vapor%20that%20can%20be%20inhaled.
“Vaping: What You Need to Know (for Teens) - Nemours Kidshealth.” Edited by Amy W. Anzilotti, KidsHealth, The Nemours Foundation, July 2022, https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/e-cigarettes.html.
“What Does Vaping Do to Your Lungs?” What Does Vaping Do to Your Lungs? | Johns Hopkins Medicine, 15 Oct. 2021, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/what-does-vaping-do-to-your-lungs.
Image: Ryan Hammel
