How safe are vaping, e-cigarettes compared to regular smoking? check here

Now, as e-cigarettes have gained widespread popularity among teenagers, vaping has become widespread among middle and high school students as well.

When e-cigarettes were launched in 2003, studies showed that vaping is 95% healthier than smoking. However, recent studies have challenged this fact and shown that e-cigarette use is associated with respiratory symptoms, although cigarette smoking may reduce the risk.

Comparing lung function among vaping, cigarette smokers or those who did not smoke any of the above, a 2021 study showed that vaping has the same harmful effects on pulmonary function as smoking .

Read also: The race to replace cigarettes is accelerating

In addition, increased vaping consumption among youth may promote cigarette smoking, creating a generation dependent on smoking, the study said.

“E-liquid aerosols are associated with direct damage to the respiratory epithelium, leading to changes in lung function, lung inflammation, decreased mucus clearance and lung histology. Most e-cigarettes contain three components: 1. Nicotine. , 2. a solvent, 3. chemical taste. Nicotine has serious adverse effects on all organ systems, but specific damage occurs when inhaled. Findings suggest that propylene glycol causes oral and nasal irritation and causes squamous cell metaplasia,” HT Lifestyle Masina Hospital, Mumbai, Consultant Chest Physician- Pulmonologist Dr Sanket Jain has been quoted as saying.

He said, “Tastes are highly variable given the huge variety of flavors available in e-liquids. The flavoring ingredients are said to be harmful, resulting in brochiity obliterans. As of approximately 2019, e-cigarettes or vaping products will have to be used as a flavoring agent.” There was a random increase in cases of acute respiratory failure due to use-associated lung injury (EVALI).E-cigarette users are divided into two subtypes – 1. active smokers wishing to quit conventional cigarettes – nicotine replacement therapy Compared to other forms of smoking, e-cigarettes were found to be very effective. 2. Recreational users – in relation to recreational users, a specific group of youth who have never smoked traditional cigarettes.”

Throwing light on this misconception, Dr Jain said:

1) Aerosols of e-liquids are less addictive than conventional cigarettes.

2) There is no nicotine.

3) Has become a style statement among the youth.

They concluded, “The increase in e-cigarette use is due to a number of factors, such as its characteristics being smaller, smoother, technologically advanced in terms of nicotine and salt formulation, and also the appealing taste. Smoking cessation tools As regards the use of e-cigarettes there has been conflict but the direct effect on the lungs due to vaping has been proved by several studies published in various journals. Also, there is a public misconception that vaping increases in people. playing a major role in it.”

Sharing similar views, Dr. Sandeep Attavar, Lung Transplant Director, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, said, “Flavor agents have been shown to have devastating effects on lung cells and structure, especially on sweet and cinnamon tastes. Then there are the chemicals in flavors like cherry and sweet-tasting e-cigarettes that have a big impact on lung function. So although information is still emerging about the effects of vaping on lung function, it can be concluded that e-cigarettes contain toxic chemicals that lead to unhealthy lungs and a decline in lung function (more than normal). and are accompanied by chronic respiratory symptoms. regular use. Long-term studies on the risk of lung cancer with vaping are lacking and this area has yet to be researched.”

Vaping is seen as the “lesser of evils” for current cigarette smokers, but even so, there is a lot about vaping that we need to be educated on. One way we’ll learn more is to uncover potential or current health problems caused by vaping. These cases of severe lung disease in people who vape raise important questions about the safety of vaping.

Nicotine – the primary modality in regular cigarettes and e-cigarettes – is highly addictive and if you ignore the craving it leads to the urge to smoke and to suffer withdrawal symptoms.