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Dangers of Vaping

A vape is a device that heats and aerosolizes an inhaled juice or solution. For example, an e-cigarette is a vape that uses a nicotine-based solution. Individuals can also use vaping devices to smoke marijuana. The devices themselves are harmful in certain situations, but the vape juices or solutions are where the main dangers of vaping come from. The solutions contain particles associated with cancer. Formaldehyde, for example, is in vapor and is a carcinogen. Aside from the carcinogens, the solution also contains nicotine, which is addictive and recognized as a gateway drug to make other drugs seem more enjoyable.

Vaping Can Damage the Lungs

Vaping is relatively new, so there needs to be more research conducted on the long-term effects and who is at the highest risk of harm. However, the short-term effects show that the dangers of vaping are real. There have been recent reports of lung issues, including two deaths linked to vaping. The symptoms start gradually with shortness of breath and chest pain, and then there are issues breathing, and it leads to hospital admission. There are a lot of short-term effects on the lungs as well. Vaping increases inflammation in the lungs. It also paralyzes cilia, which are projections in the airway that help remove debris and microbes. With paralyzed cilia, they can no longer do the job of protecting the lungs, and this can increase the risk of infection. There is also an increased risk of worsening respiratory symptoms. This is due to the inflammation caused in the airways. Health officials with the FDA and CDC are investigating the cases of vaping lung disease to determine the specific cause and how to prevent and treat cases.

Dangers of Vaping to the Cardiovascular System

The nicotine is largely responsible for the negative effects and dangers of vaping on the cardiovascular system. The effects of nicotine are well known. Nicotine increases the risk of stroke, heart attacks, and sudden cardiac death. Nicotine also causes high blood pressure and cholesterol abnormalities, which also contribute to increased cardiovascular events. The flavored liquids in e-cigarettes can damage the endothelial cells. These cells are important to the contraction and relaxation of the blood vessels and blood clotting.

The Link between Vaping and Seizures

Some people who use e-cigarettes, especially young adults, are experiencing seizures following use. The seizures can be signs of nicotine poisoning. This happens when someone is exposed to too much nicotine. There is not a clear or direct relationship yet between the use of e-cigarettes and nicotine concentrations, and it could be related to the varying levels of nicotine concentrations.

E-Cigarettes Can Explode in Use

While the solution is a cause for the many dangers of vaping, the devices themselves can also cause damage. E-cigarettes can explode while in use. To avoid an e-cigarette explosion, the FDA has published a guide with recommendations.

Other Dangers of Vaping

There are many dangers of vaping. Some of the other health risks include:

  • Substances in e-cigarette vapor increase the risk of cancer
  • Teens who vape are more likely to begin smoking cigarettes
  • Individuals experienced burns with e-cigarettes while recharging devices
  • Accidental exposure causes acute nicotine poisoning in both adults and children
  • Vaping while pregnant can harm a fetus

There may be some evidence that suggests that vaping is the lesser of evils for cigarette smokers. However, there is a lot about vaping that people don’t know about. Thus, until there’s more research done, it’s best to avoid all vaping.

Help Quitting

With so many dangers of vaping and the unknown long-term effects, the best thing to do is to quit. Speak with a health care professional on how to quit vaping. Contact The Ranch PA at 717.969.9126 for addiction help to get on the right path to recovery.

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