What Vaping Does to the Body

Summary

This video delves into the effects of vaping on the human body, contrasting it with traditional cigarette smoking. It explores the anatomy of the respiratory system and the pathways of inhaled substances. The script discusses the rise of EVALI, a lung injury linked to vaping, and the symptoms it presents. It scrutinizes common vape ingredients, highlighting the potential risks of substances like nicotine, propylene glycol, and vitamin E acetate. The video emphasizes the importance of understanding vaping's impact on health and advises against inhaling foreign substances into the lungs, suggesting that while vaping might be a lesser evil than smoking, the safest choice is to avoid both.

Takeaways

• 🚭 Vaping involves inhaling vapor from devices that heat a liquid solution, which can have negative health effects on the body.
• 🔬 The script uses a cadaver to demonstrate the respiratory pathway, showing how inhaled substances reach the lungs.
• 🌪️ Vaping can cause E-cigarette or Vaping product use Associated Lung Injury (EVALI), which presents with symptoms similar to pneumonia but without an infectious cause.
• 🏥 There has been an increase in hospitalizations due to EVALI, with patients experiencing respiratory issues and GI symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
• 💊 The substances in vape cartridges vary by manufacturer but commonly include nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerol, THC, CBD, and flavorings, with some containing harmful metals.
• 🔍 Vitamin E acetate and THC have been strongly linked to EVALI, prompting health recommendations against their use in vaping products.
• 🏨 Treatment for EVALI often involves supportive care, including supplemental oxygen and anti-inflammatory medications, with most patients improving within weeks.
• 🚫 The medical community generally agrees that smoking tobacco is more harmful than vaping, but the long-term effects of vaping are still not fully understood.
• ⛔️ The CDC advises against mixing vaping with smoking and recommends cessation of both, especially due to the potential for vaping to act as a gateway to smoking.
• 🔑 For those who vape, it's recommended to avoid products with vitamin E acetate and THC, and to obtain THC through medical professionals or legal means.
• 🎓 The script concludes by promoting the sponsor, Brilliant, an online learning platform for STEM subjects, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded education for those interested in medicine.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of the trachea?

The trachea, also known as the windpipe, is the tube that carries air from the throat to the lungs. It is kept open by cartilaginous rings to ensure unobstructed airflow for breathing.

Why are the alveoli significant in the context of vaping?

The alveoli are crucial because they are the site of gas exchange between the lungs and the bloodstream. They are also the thinnest part of the lung tissue, making them particularly susceptible to damage from inhaled substances like those in vape liquids.

What is EVALI and what symptoms does it present?

EVALI stands for E-cigarette or Vaping product use Associated Lung Injury. It is a condition that has been linked to vaping and presents symptoms similar to pneumonia, including fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and in some cases, hemoptysis (coughing up blood).

What common ingredients are found in vape cartridges that could potentially cause harm?

Common ingredients in vape cartridges include nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerol, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD oils, and flavorings. Additionally, some cartridges have been found to contain substances like vitamin E acetate and trace amounts of metals such as tin, nickel, chromium, manganese, and even arsenic.

Why is vitamin E acetate particularly concerning in the context of vaping?

Vitamin E acetate is concerning because it has been identified in many patients with EVALI. It is hypothesized that when inhaled, this oily substance may coat the lung tissue, causing an inflammatory response and potentially leading to lung injury.

What is the current recommendation regarding the use of vitamin E acetate in vaping products?

The CDC has recommended that vaping companies should not use vitamin E acetate in their products due to its strong link to EVALI. Consumers are also advised to avoid products that contain this substance.

How does the CDC advise patients who are trying to quit smoking and considering vaping as an alternative?

The CDC advises that if a patient must choose between smoking and vaping, they should opt for vaping without mixing the two. The goal is to eliminate cigarette smoke, which is considered more harmful, and then work towards smoking cessation using vaping as a transitional method.

What are the potential gastrointestinal symptoms associated with EVALI?

Up to 80% of patients with EVALI have reported gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and generalized abdominal pain.

What treatment options are available for patients diagnosed with EVALI?

Treatment for EVALI primarily involves supportive care, which may include antibiotics as a precautionary measure until an infectious cause is ruled out, anti-inflammatory steroids to reduce inflammation, and supplemental oxygen. In severe cases, patients may require ventilation.

What is the general consensus in the medical community regarding the comparison between vaping and smoking tobacco?

The general consensus is that smoking tobacco is worse than vaping. However, there is a concern that vaping could act as a gateway to cigarette smoking, especially among younger populations.

How does vaping potentially impact young people who have never smoked?

There is a significant increase in vaping among young people, and there is concern that it could lead to cigarette smoking. Data shows that individuals who vape are more likely to try cigarette smoking, which is known to be more harmful.