Vaping is a vice that took the smoking industry by storm. And thanks to clever marketing tactics, vape pens have become a popular alternative for cigarette smokers. These small devices come in many shapes, sizes, and flavors making them a popular product among the youth.
According to the Pew Research Center, vaping numbers almost doubled from 2017 to 2019. And nicotine was the most commonly cited substance being used in e-cigarettes for most students. If you have picked up the habit of vaping nicotine, you might already be addicted. But there is hope. Are you looking for a reason to quit vaping? Here are four.
Harmful Chemicals
Although not much known is about the long-term side effects of vaping, we all understand that traditional cigarettes contain harmful ingredients. What we do know is that many e-cigarette manufacturers added vitamin E acetate in vape pens.
This ingredient is a stubborn molecule that is hard for the lungs to clean out and it can cause inflammation and lung injury. While you can always avoid vape pens with vitamin E acetate, there are still many health risks associated with vaping oil.
Oil is not supposed to go into your lungs, and accumulating oil from vape pens might cause you problems down the road.
Young People Who Vape Face Greater Risks Later in Life
According to the Pew Research Center, young adults are more likely to vape compared to older people but less likely to smoke cigarettes. In fact, 9% of U.S adults admitted to “occasionally” vape compared to the 20% who smoke cigarettes.
There is a misconception that vaping is less harmful than traditional cigarettes, but it is not true. If you are a parent, you might not even know that your child is vaping because it is not as disruptive as traditional cigarettes. However, kids who vape might end up smoking cigarettes or become life-long vapers. For this reason, they are at a high risk of lung injuries or emerging illnesses from vaping.
Vaping Isn’t Regulated
E-cigarettes were introduced in 2007 and have only become more popular and gained users since then. However, vape pens and liquids are not regulated by the FDA. As a result, not much is known about the products used by vape companies to deliver the nicotine.
As if that was not enough, most of these vape devices and liquids are readily available on the black market. This makes the whole idea around vaping to seem even less reputable. However, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges vapers to buy vape products from formal sources. Modifying or adding substances to your vape pen only makes it worse.
Vaping Suppresses Your Immune System
Nicotine is the primary agent in both traditional cigarettes and modern vape pens. And numerous studies show nicotine is a toxic substance. An increased intake of nicotine is likely to raise your blood pressure while putting you at risk of lung diseases.
According to the BBC, vaping can damage crucial immune system cells. Researchers discovered that vape pens disable key protective cells in the lungs that keep air spaces clear of harmful products. The vapor from vape pens can impair the alveolar macrophages, which engulf dust and bacteria that evade other mechanical defenses.
The Bottom Line
There is a strong link between vaping and cardiovascular diseases and respiratory problems. The sooner you quit, the quicker your body will begin the recovery process. You can even try these 4 tips to quit your nicotine addiction.
If you are looking to quit smoking and would like some help, talk to Diamond Physicians today. Our doctors are ready to help with all your addiction needs.
For more information, contact us.