The health risks associated with smoking tobacco are well-documented. It significantly raises your chances of developing cancers, respiratory illnesses, and cardiovascular diseases, to name a few. But while vaping (using electronic cigarettes) is often perceived as safer, its risks aren't as well-known. Yet, they're undeniably real, particularly for younger users.
The impact of vaping on respiratory health
One of the main concerns about vaping is its harmful effects on lung health. Even though vaping is typically considered less harmful than smoking, it still comes with significant risks.
Short-term respiratory symptoms
People who vape may experience coughing, increased mucus production, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. Irritation of the throat and mouth is also common.
Worsening lung conditions
Vaping can exacerbate existing lung conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Higher risk of respiratory infections
Vaping weakens the lungs' natural defences, making users more vulnerable to respiratory infections like flu, pneumonia, or bronchitis.
Damage to lung cells
Inhaling chemical particles from vape devices can cause severe lung cell damage, potentially leading to serious conditions like vaping-associated lung injury (VALI), which may require hospitalization.
Nicotine: An addictive substance with serious effects
At the heart of vaping’s dangers is nicotine, a highly addictive substance found in varying concentrations in vaping liquids.
Nicotine addiction
Addiction develops rapidly, particularly among youth whose brains are still developing. Young users can become addicted in a matter of days—sometimes even before regular use. Once addiction sets in, quitting becomes difficult, comparable in some ways to the addiction faced by users of harder drugs like heroin.
Effects on brain development
Since the human brain continues developing until around age 25, young users are especially vulnerable. Nicotine can disrupt crucial cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, and learning, affecting performance both academically and professionally.
Cardiovascular risks
Vaping nicotine raises blood pressure and heart rate, and can cause blood vessels to become stiffer within minutes of consumption. These immediate effects are directly linked to nicotine.
A gateway to smoking
It's well-established that vaping can lead to tobacco experimentation. Young people who might otherwise never have smoked often start with vaping before progressing to traditional cigarettes.
Conversely, some smokers may consider switching to vaping, believing it's less risky. However, vaping is far from harmless and might complicate efforts to quit smoking, increasing overall health risks when used alongside traditional cigarettes. Furthermore, vaping is not recognized as an official smoking cessation method. If you're considering quitting smoking, talk to your healthcare professional about available support and treatments.
Risks to your oral health
Effects on teeth and gums
Using e-cigarettes increases the risk of dry mouth, tooth decay, and mouth sores. It also encourages bacterial growth responsible for gum disease, increasing the risk of periodontal conditions.
Spread of oral infections
Vaping can lead to an increased incidence of fungal infections in the mouth. Sharing vaping devices among young people further heightens the risk of spreading oral infections like cold sores.
The dangers associated with vaping are very real and worth taking seriously. Stopping vaping provides immediate health benefits and financial savings, and reduces environmental impact due to fewer released chemicals. The benefits aren't just personal—they positively affect everyone around you as well.
If you'd like advice on discussing tobacco or vaping with your teenager, check out our detailed article on this topic.
For more information:
Related services
- Smoking cessation
