The new wave of Vaping (E-Cigarettes): Is this really a dangerous addiction?

You may have noticed that vaping has become very popular among young people and adults these days. It involves inhaling a fruity-scented vapor from small devices that come in different colors and shapes. Many people think that it is much better than smoking cigarettes, that it is harmless, and that it is just a little water vapor. But is that really the case? Today, we will talk about the dangerous truth hidden inside this beautiful-looking, fragrant thing.

Simply put, what is Vaping?

Vaping is the use of a small, handheld electronic device (such as an e-cigarette or vape pen) to heat a liquid (e-liquid) and inhale the vapor into the lungs. While this may seem similar to smoking a cigarette, the process is very different. In a cigarette, tobacco is burned. In vaping, instead of tobacco, a liquid is heated and a vapor (aerosol) containing fine particles is inhaled.

The devices used for this are called by different names. For example, you may have heard of vapes, vape pens, e-hookahs, mods, and personal vaporizers (PVs). All of these are collectively called Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) .

How does this vape device work?

Think of it like a small 'kettle', but instead of water, it contains a special liquid. There are several main parts to this device:

• Cartridge/Pod: This is the part that holds the special liquid (e-liquid). Some are refillable, while others are disposable.
• Heating element: This is what heats the liquid and turns it into steam.
• Battery: This battery provides the power needed for the heating element.
• Control button: Some devices have a button to turn them on. Others turn on automatically when we inhale.
• Mouthpiece: This part draws the vapor into the mouth and lungs.

So, when you vape, the battery powers it, and the liquid heats up and turns into vapor. You inhale that vapor. The important thing is, it's not just water vapor. It's actually a mist filled with tiny particles. Those particles can contain nicotine, flavorings, and a thousand other chemicals.

What is the difference between vaping and regular cigarettes?

This is a question that many people ask. "Is vaping better than cigarettes?" Let's take a closer look at the differences and similarities between the two.

What is actually in this Vape Liquid (E-Liquid)?

This is what we all need to know. Known by names like e-liquid, e-juice, and vape juice, this liquid is not just water with flavorings added. It mainly contains the following:

• Nicotine: A highly addictive and harmful chemical found in cigarettes and other tobacco products.
• Flavoring: These come in a thousand flavors, like strawberry, mint, and chocolate. But each of these flavorings is made up of a different set of chemicals.
• Propylene Glycol and Glycerin: Two substances used to make vapor.

But the story doesn't end there. In addition to these, some vape liquids can contain unimaginably dangerous substances.

• Carcinogens: Chemicals that are known to cause cancer, such as acetaldehyde and formaldehyde.
• Chemicals that cause lung disease: Substances that cause severe lung disease, such as acrolein, diacetyl, and diethylene glycol.
• Heavy Metals: Small particles of heavy metals, such as nickel, tin, lead, and cadmium, that are highly toxic to the body.
• Vitamin E Acetate: A chemical suspected of being linked to the deadly lung disease EVALI.
• THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): The psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Some vape liquids also contain this.
• Ultrafine particles: These can go directly deep into the lungs and lodge there.

Imagine, a vapor made up of these things goes into your lungs.

What are the real dangers of vaping?

Vaping is not just a hobby. The potential harm it can cause to your health is not insignificant.

• Asthma: Vaping increases your risk of developing asthma. If you already have asthma, it can make it worse.
• Lung scarring: Diacetyl, a chemical found in some sweeteners, can cause a condition called bronchiolitis obliterans . This is also known as "popcorn lung." Simply put, it causes permanent scarring and blockage of the tiny airways in the lungs. This damage is irreversible.
• Damage to internal organs: Nicotine and other chemicals not only damage your lungs, but also your heart and brain . Nicotine can cause permanent damage to brain development, especially in young people, as the brain is still developing. It can also increase blood pressure and narrow blood vessels.
• The deadly condition called EVALI: The full name of this is ``e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury``. It is a very serious, sudden lung injury caused by vaping. It causes extensive damage to the lungs, and symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and chest pain appear. EVALI is a dangerous condition that can even lead to death.
• Addiction: Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical, just like heroin and cocaine. It changes the way your brain works, making you crave more nicotine. After a while, you may find yourself unable to stop vaping even if you want to. Even some liquids labeled "nicotine-free" have been found to contain small amounts of nicotine.
• Switching to cigarettes: Many people start vaping and after a while, they switch to smoking cigarettes, which are even more harmful.
• Second-hand exposure: When you vape, the vapor is released into the environment around you. Others who inhale it can also inhale nicotine and other chemicals.
• Explosions: There have been reports around the world of batteries exploding in vape devices, causing serious injuries and burns.
• Cancer Risk: Some chemicals in vape liquids have been scientifically proven to be carcinogenic.

Will my lungs recover if I stop vaping?

This is a question that many people have. The answer is both 'yes' and 'no'. Some of the swelling and inflammation in the lungs caused by vaping can be somewhat reversible with time and appropriate medical treatment after you stop.

However, the scarring caused by conditions like "popcorn lung" is permanent. The damage will never be reversed. It's like having a big cut on your arm that will leave a scar for life. Continuing to vape can compound the damage to your lungs and lead to conditions like asthma and COPD that can never be cured.

Will vaping help you quit smoking?

This is another major reason why vaping is so popular. The idea is, "If you can't quit smoking, vape. It's better."

True, some studies have shown that a small number of people have been able to quit smoking through this method. But the flip side of that story is that 80% of those who quit smoking have become severely addicted to vaping. That is, they have simply moved from one addiction to another.

There are medically approved, safe ways to quit smoking. These include nicotine patches, gum, and lozenges. If you want to quit smoking, the best thing to do is to see your doctor and get the right advice and treatment. Vaping is not a recommended method.

I want to stop vaping. What do I do?

If you feel that way, it's the best decision you'll ever make in your life. Breaking free from any addiction is a challenge. But it's not impossible. Here are some steps that can help you:

1. Set a date: Pick a day to stop vaping. Until that day comes, you can gradually reduce the frequency of your use.

2. See a doctor: This is the most important thing. Talk to your doctor. He or she can help you come up with a plan that works for you and prescribe medications that can help with the withdrawal symptoms (cravings, headaches).

3. Make a list of reasons: Why do you want to quit vaping? To save money? To protect your health? For your family? Write these reasons down on a piece of paper and keep them in a visible place. Read them whenever you feel like quitting is hard.

4. Tell your family and friends: Tell them about your decision. Their support will be a great source of strength for you.

5. Avoid temptations: Avoid the triggers that usually make you vape. Be strong enough to not do it when you're out with friends or at parties.

6. Divert yourself: When you feel like vaping, do something else instead. Drink a glass of water, go for a walk, listen to music, exercise.

7. Exercise: Exercising not only distracts your mind, but it also produces feel-good hormones in the body, making you happy.

8. Be patient: The first few days will be difficult. You may experience headaches, irritability, and restlessness. But these will subside after a few days.

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