Discover More about the Health Risks of Vaping

The health risks associated with smoking are well known. The graphic warnings on cigarette packets make it even obvious. However, the effects of vaping are not obvious. A few years ago, e-cigarettes were touted as an incredible, and healthier alternative to smoking. However, with many recent studies, it has been proven that vaping poses significant health risks. As such, you need to make wise and informed decisions before you start vaping.

Even though the introduction of vapes was highly celebrated, it comes with risks. Whether you are vaping with or without nicotine, fluids, plant matter such as marijuana or CBD oil, you should understand the possible health risks that come with it.

Health risks Linked to Vaping

Heart problems

Vaping involves inhaling different fluid flavors on your vaping device. This includes e-liquid aerosols, aldehyde and more specifically nicotine. Nicotine in the bloodstream increases the level of adrenaline in the body. It also activates and strains the sympathetic nervous system.

• It also speeds up the heart rate
• Increases blood pressure and
• Narrows blood vessels, therefore, stressing the cardiovascular system.
• According to a study by the National Academic Press, a nicotine puff can cause major health issues with continued use.

Affects the Normal Functioning Of the Lungs

Vaping has also been linked to lung complications. Even though more research is still ongoing, a study done by NAP in 2015 to evaluate the effects of e juices on the human lungs confirmed possible effects.

Vaping with or without nicotine has been linked to different respiratory issues including wheezing, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and possible risks of lung cancer. More studies are still underway to discover the reason as to why vaping affects the lungs.

Effects on the Teeth and Gums

When it comes to oral health, vaping has been liked to periodontal diseases, gum inflammation and damage of oral tissues and cells. In a NAP report carried out in 2018 and other studies done in 2016, it was confirmed that vaping causes mouth and throat irritation.

Similarly, low-quality vape pen starter kits or e-cigarettes pose a potential risk of explosion in the mouth. This often leads to a puncture on the chin, lacerations, disrupted dental formula and other injuries in the mouth. While such explosions are rare, they happen and they cause serious health and safety risks.

More Effects of Vaping

Apart from these risks, vaping has been closely cited as a gateway to tobacco or traditional smoking amongst the youth. There are more than 10 high-quality reports done at The National Academic of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine that links vaping to increased tobacco smoking among the youth.

• Additionally, a 2018 NAP report indicates that vaping can cause oxidative stress, damage to DNA cells and cell dysfunction. With long term vaping, a person is exposed to different cellular changes that pose other health conditions such as a heart attack.
• Vaping worsens diseases such as blood pressure, asthma and other respiratory conditions.
• Vaping has also been linked to increased risk of seizures. The liquid that you vape contains nicotine and using devices such as Juul. means inhaling high doses of nicotine. According to The Food and Drug Administration, sudden and uncontrolled brain disturbance can occur causing seizures.
• Excessive nicotine usage or nicotine poisoning causes seizures. There are more studies underway to determine if there are specific vapors and e-cigarettes that cause seizures by delivering high nicotine doses.

Physical effects of vaping are yet to be established.

Vaping Vs Cigarette Smoking, Is there a Difference

Even though vaping was lauded as a greater and better alternative to smoking, it is harmful. The effects of vaping may be hard to establish since it is not well documented like in the case of cigarette smoking. Studies by the Center for Disease Control indicates that 1 in every 5 deaths in the US is caused by cigarette smoking.

Even though vaping seems a fewer risk alternative, and an ideal way to avoid the effects of nicotine from cigarette smoking, there are still risks. This is regardless of whether the vape is with or without nicotine.

What’s more, you could easily suffer more health risks if you smoke and at the same time vaping. What’s more, there are other second-hand effects of vaping. Breathing the vapor in second hand can be harmful. This is because the aerosol in vaping fluids can release heavy metals including lead.

Similarly, the flavorings such as deacetylate can cause lung problems. In a third-party exposure, residential nicotine may occur due to skin or eye contact causing other safety risks.

Difference between Vaping and Juuling

Vaping generally can be done on different vapes. However, Juuling refers to vaping on a specific e-cigarette brand. A Juuling device is rechargeable, rectangular and thin. The e-liquid used in a Juul contains nicotine and is popularly known as a J-pod or a Juulpod.

Is there a Safe Vaping?

Vaping can be done with or without nicotine. Vaping without nicotine is safer because you do not get addicted to nicotine. However, even without nicotine, there are possible health risks associated to vaping. This is because e-juice contains different harmful chemicals that can cause

• Cell damage
• Harm blood vessels and
• Trigger inflammation

Vaping CBD OIL or Marijuana

Unlike vaping with nicotine, marijuana and CBD oil have fewer risks because of the nature of the flavorings and the liquids they contain.

Marijuana can cause poor coordination, poor memory, vomiting, nausea, increased heart rate and addiction in the long run.

Vaping CBD Oil can cause fatigue, nausea and irritability.

How to Enhance Safety When Vaping

Vaping involves different fluids. To enhance your safety,

1. Consider recommended flavors that includes

• Almond
• Berry, burnt, bread
• Caramel, chocolate, cinnamon, camphor, clove, coffee and cotton candy
• Nutty, pineapple, jam, sweet, tomato, thyme, vanilla, tropical, and woody

1. Additionally, avoid harmful ingredients (irritants) such as acetoin, benzaldehyde, citral and vanillin among others
2. Go for unflavored vape juices and vape pen starter kits from reputed brands
3. Gradually reduce your vaping and settle for nicotine free vapes
4. Take plenty of fluids and water after vaping
5. Practice regular oral hygiene and brush after vaping

If you have an underlying health condition, talk to a healthcare provider before vaping. Remember, vaping can worsen asthma and other diseases. If you suspect coughing, increased heartbeat, dry mouth, dehydration and difficulty in breathing after vaping, you should see a doctor immediately.