Is Vaping Harmful? Side Effects, Risks, & Care

The Consequences Of Vaping On Adolescents

Vaping. It may have once been thought of as a safe alternative to smoking, but as its popularity has soared, so has the evidence that it can lead to a number of medical complications and symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Of equal concern, vaping seems to be especially popular among adolescents.

The Risks, Side Effects & Consequences Of Vaping

How Does a Vape Device Or E-Cigarette Work?

You probably know what vaping is, but do you know how it works? Vaping devices (also known as e-cigarettes) heat a liquid that contains nicotine into an aerosol that the user then inhales. Since vaping does not have many of the cancer-causing chemicals and tar in it that regular cigarettes do, many people assume it is safer than smoking. Additionally, e-cigarettes do not leave users smelling like an ashtray.

However, while it may not have the exact same chemicals as cigarettes, it has other additives that can be just as harmful—especially chemicals associated with flavored vapes. According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s office, e-cigarettes can contain:

  • Diacetyl (a chemical associated with serious lung disease)
  • Acrolein (a chemical used mostly in weed killers)
  • Organic compounds that are considered volatile/inflammatory
  • Nickel, tin, lead

Vaping is also addictive, making it all the more dangerous.

The Long & Short-Term Consequences Of Vaping

Since vaping is still a relatively new activity, all the potential chronic health issues associated with it are not yet fully understood, although it most certainly raises the risk of developmental issues in youth and heart and lung disease. What is better understood are the immediate potential medical problems.

Between the end of March 2019 and February 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. emergency rooms and hospitals saw nearly 3,000 e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injuries (EVALI).

What Are The Symptoms Of EVALI?

While many symptoms associated with these injuries (and illnesses) are common to other conditions, if they occur during or immediately after vaping, a trip to The Emergency Center may be needed:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Fever and chills
  • Cough
  • Vomiting/diarrhea
  • Headache/dizziness
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Chest pain

External physical injuries from e-cigarettes that malfunction or explode also have been reported and warrant immediate medical attention.

How Do You Treat EVALI?

The Emergency Center has the tools and expertise needed to quickly identify and treat EVALI.

Advanced Imaging: Chest X-ray or CT scan to find tissue damage (opacities) in the lungs

Oxygen Therapy: For patients experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain or wheezing

Skin Injury Treatment: Cleaning and treating wounds due to malfunctioning e-cigarettes

Inhaled, Oral & Other Medications: To address vaping-related asthma attacks, bronchitis, and lung infections and injuries as needed

In Case Of Medical Emergencies Due To Vaping, Trust Our Freestanding ER

As a comprehensive emergency medical provider, The Emergency Center also has the capability to provide relief from the flu-like symptoms sometimes associated with e-cigarettes. The best way to avoid the health challenges associated with vaping is to never start. But should a vaping-related complication arise, The Emergency Center is ready.

 
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The Emergency Center

San Antonio
11320 Alamo Ranch Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78253
Phone: 210-485-3644

Conroe
4019 I-45 N,
Conroe, Texas 77304
Phone: 936-247-9457