Vaping is more harmful than you think

Summary

In this episode of Demystifying Medicine, the dangers of vaping are explored, highlighting its potential harms despite being marketed as a safer alternative to smoking. The video explains the different types of e-cigarettes, the chemicals involved, and their adverse effects on health, including lung disease, heart issues, and brain damage. Vaping can lead to severe conditions like popcorn lung and even death due to vaping-associated lung injury (VALI). The video warns against using e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool and encourages healthier alternatives like exercise and meditation for those trying to quit.

Takeaways

• 😀 Vaping is often considered a healthier alternative to smoking, but this claim is not entirely true.
• 😀 E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that vaporize e-liquids containing substances like nicotine, THC, or CBD.
• 😀 There are three main types of vapes: nicotine vapes, CBD vapes, and THC vapes, each with different effects.
• 😀 While vaping does not burn tobacco, it still exposes users to harmful carcinogens and toxic chemicals.
• 😀 Short-term effects of vaping include chest pain, vomiting, shortness of breath, and coughing.
• 😀 Vaping can cause long-term health issues like lung disease, lung cancer, and even death due to exposure to toxic chemicals.
• 😀 Popcorn lung is a severe lung disease linked to vaping, caused by a chemical called diacetyl found in most e-cigarettes.
• 😀 Vaping can contribute to cardiovascular issues like blocked blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• 😀 Vaping can permanently damage the developing teenage brain, affecting memory, impulse control, and cognitive functions.
• 😀 E-cigarettes are as addictive as traditional cigarettes, and in some cases, users can get even more nicotine than from tobacco.
• 😀 Vaping is not FDA-approved, and there is no strong evidence to support that it is a safer alternative to smoking.

Q & A

What are e-cigarettes and how do they work?

E-cigarettes are battery-operated vaporizers that simulate smoking by turning e-liquid into vapor without burning tobacco. The device heats a small amount of the e-liquid, which contains ingredients like nicotine, THC, CBD, vegetable glycerin, and flavoring, to create a vapor that is inhaled by the user.

What are the main types of vapes?

There are three main types of vapes: nicotine vapes, which are the most common and associated with brands like Joule; CBD vapes, which deliver the healing properties of marijuana without getting a person high; and THC vapes, which are used to discreetly get high.

Are e-cigarettes healthier than traditional cigarettes?

While e-cigarettes do not contain the same dangerous carcinogens as traditional cigarettes due to the absence of burning tobacco, they still contain carcinogens and toxic chemicals, though in lower amounts. These chemicals can cause lung disease, cancer, and other health issues.

What short-term health effects are associated with vaping?

Short-term effects of vaping can include chest pain, vomiting, shortness of breath, and coughing. Vaping can also irritate the lungs and increase the risk of lung disease and cancer.

What is popcorn lung and how is it related to vaping?

Popcorn lung is a life-threatening lung disease that results from the scarring and narrowing of the airways. It is linked to a toxic chemical called diacetyl, found in 92% of e-cigarettes studied. Vaping can increase the risk of developing this condition.

What are the risks of vaping for heart health?

Vaping can cause the narrowing and blocking of blood vessels, which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

How does vaping affect the teenage brain?

Vaping can cause permanent damage to the developing teenage brain, leading to reduced impulse control, cognitive behavior problems, and issues with memory, concentration, and mood regulation.

What is VALI and how is it linked to vaping?

VALI, or vaping-associated lung injury, is a serious illness that was first reported in 2019. It has caused thousands of hospitalizations and some deaths. The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to be related to inhaling oils, such as vitamin E acetate, which can coat the lungs and impair oxygen exchange.

Are e-cigarettes safer than traditional cigarettes?

While e-cigarettes may be considered less harmful than traditional cigarettes due to the absence of burning tobacco, they are still not safe. The FDA has not approved them, and they contain toxic chemicals that can cause severe health issues, including lung disease and cardiovascular problems.

What should a person do if they feel the urge to vape?

If you feel the urge to vape, you can try alternatives like chewing sugar-free gum, drinking water, practicing yoga or meditation, exercising, or keeping busy with hobbies such as solving puzzles. Additionally, you can talk to a doctor about different cessation methods or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for counseling.