Vaping (E-Cigarettes): What It Is, Side Effects & Dangers

Overview

What is Vaping?

• Vaping involves using a handheld electronic device to inhale a mist (vapor) into the lungs.
• Devices include e-cigarettes, vape pens, or other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).
• E-liquid contains nicotine, flavoring, and propylene glycol, heated into an aerosol.
• Vaping mimics smoking but uses liquid rather than burning tobacco.

How Vaping Works

• Devices heat liquid to create an aerosol (not water vapor).
• The mist includes particles of nicotine, flavorings, and other elements.
• Inhaled through a mouthpiece, passing down the throat into the lungs.

Types of E-Cigarettes

• Includes vapes, vape pens, e-hookahs, mods, and personal vaporizers.
• Components typically include a liquid cartridge, heating element, battery, control button, and mouthpiece.

Vaping vs. Smoking

• Both involve inhaling substances into the lungs.
• Vaping heats liquids; smoking burns tobacco.
• Vaping considered safer but still poses health risks.

Risks and Side Effects

Health Risks

• Asthma and Lung Conditions: Vaping can exacerbate or cause asthma.
• Lung Scarring: Diacetyl in flavorings can cause bronchiolitis obliterans (popcorn lung).
• Organ Damage: Nicotine and other substances can harm the heart and brain.
• EVALI: A serious lung condition linked to vaping, potentially fatal.
• Addiction: Nicotine is highly addictive, even in small amounts.
• Explosions: Risk of battery explosions causing injuries.
• Cancer: Some e-liquid ingredients are carcinogenic.

Side Effects

• Short-term effects include coughing, shortness of breath, eye irritation, headaches, and nausea.

EVALI

• Linked to Vitamin E acetate in some e-liquids.
• Symptoms: cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, gastrointestinal issues.
• Affected mostly younger individuals using THC vapes.

Benefits

Perceived Benefits

• Marketed as safer or as smoking cessation aid.
• Actual benefits in quitting smoking are limited, with high risk of nicotine addiction.

Long-term Health Impact

• Lung damage may be reversible with treatment, but scarring is permanent.
• Continual irritation can lead to chronic conditions like COPD.
• Vaping-related fatalities have occurred due to lung injuries.

Special Considerations

Vaping During Pregnancy

• Not safe; may cause low birth weight and developmental issues.

Quitting Vaping

• Similar process to quitting smoking or any habit.
• Strategies include setting goals, seeking professional help, and using support networks.

Conclusion

• Vaping can seem less harmful but poses significant health risks.
• Long-term effects are not fully understood.
• Important to seek help if considering quitting.

Cleveland Clinic Resources

• Offers lifelong medical care and support for quitting through various online and offline resources.