Midstate Medical Moment: The Real Risks of Vaping

Santosh Nepal, MD, pulmonologist, UPMC Pulmonary Institute

As electronic cigarettes and vapes continue to increase in popularity, especially among teens, many people still believe the false narrative that vaping is a safer alternative to cigarettes. While there is still a lot we don’t know about the long-term health consequences of vaping, we can empower children and teens to make informed decisions to protect their overall health by having open conversations about the risks of vaping.

Q: What are the health risks associated with vaping, especially for teens?

A: There are both short and long-term health risks, including acute lung damage, permanent lung damage resulting in conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), scarring of the lungs, and a potential risk for cancer (although this has not been proven yet). Electronic cigarettes and vapes are also considered gateway drugs to more harmful substances and can also affect brain development and harm fetal development if used during teen pregnancy.

Q: What components and chemicals are found in vapes that cause damage?

A: Many people would be surprised to learn that it’s not just the vapor that can be harmful when using e-cigarettes and vapes. Other components that can cause damage include the battery and heating element. The cartridges of liquid chemicals contain substances such as nicotine, THC, glycerol and propylene glycol for flavoring, and thickening agents like vitamin E, which has directly been linked to lung damage.

Q: Why do teens start vaping, and how can parents help prevent it?

A: Some teens are drawn to vaping because it is seen as “cool.” Appealing flavors add to the misconception that vaping is less harmful than smoking. Stress, anxiety, and other psychological challenges can lead teens to vape as a coping mechanism.

Parents play a crucial role in prevention by staying informed and having honest, direct conversations with their kids. They should keep an eye on their kids’ activities, peer influence, and signs of stress or behavior changes. Parents should also normalize having conversations about the risks of vaping with their kids and encourage positive outlets for stress relief.

Q: How does vaping affect the body?

A: First, lungs are designed to handle air, not chemicals. When you use vaping products, you’re introducing substances into the lungs that can cause damage and inflammation. Over time, that damage can produce scarring. I often compare the lungs to a balloon, when they’re healthy, they can easily expand, but once they become scarred, the lungs lose their ability to open and effectively transfer oxygen.

Damage from e-cigarettes and vapes doesn’t stop at the lungs. When the lungs are damaged the heart must work harder to push blood through them which can lead to increased pressure in the lung’s blood vessels, and increase the risk of heart failure, heart attack, or stroke. Vaping affects the entire body, not just one organ.

Q: What are symptoms of vaping-related lung damage, and what should you do if they occur?

A: Symptoms can occur much quicker than people expect, even after a short period of vaping. You may start to have difficulty breathing, a dry cough, chest pain, fever, or congestion, all symptoms that often resemble a common viral infection. However, if you’ve been vaping, these symptoms could be signs of an e-cigarette or vape-induced lung injury. If you develop these symptoms, stop vaping immediately and seek medical attention. Conditions can progress quickly, but if we catch them early, we may be able to treat the damage and potentially prevent it from becoming permanent.

Through the Midstate Medical Moment, UPMC wants to raise awareness about the health conditions affecting people living in the communities we serve. For more information about UPMC services in central Pennsylvania, visit UPMC.com/centralpa.