E-Cigarettes have become very popular with young people and their usage has dramatically grown in the last few years. In fact, the use of e-cigarettes is higher amongst high school students than adults. What kids do not know is the risks that e-cigarettes pose, or they do not take them seriously. Continue reading to learn more about the health risks that come with vaping.
Lung Cancer and Issues
The main risk associated with e-cigarettes is related to the lungs as you are inhaling nicotine and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Vape oils contain a lot of chemicals and metals that are harmful to your lungs and body including nickel, tin, lead and other ultra-fine particles. If you are an e-cigarette user, you may find it hard to breathe, experience excessive coughing, chest pain, nausea, fatigue and even a fever. In severe cases or with excessive usage, you may even need to be hospitalized.
Some of what is found in e-cigarettes has been linked to an increased risk of developing cancer. Harmful effects of nicotine have been found in both the short-term and long-term. Short-term effects include sleep problems and restlessness as well as other symptoms including nausea, vomiting and mouth and tongue sores. Long-term effects of nicotine are linked to cancer.
Brain Damage
Nicotine is a harmful substance especially for adolescents, whether it is from a traditional cigarette or an e-cigarette/vape. It is especially harmful to parts of the brain that control your mood, learning, attention and impulse control. Nicotine can also impact how the connections between your brain cells are formed. Vaping may lead to the aging process and therefore, make your brain at a higher risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases.
Mouth and Gum Diseases
Your mouth is an excellent indicator of your body’s overall health. When you destroy healthy bacteria in your mouth, it is not an ideal way to take care of yourself. Nicotine use can reduce the blood flow and nutrition to your gums, which need nutrients to stay healthy. Damaged gum tissue can lead to a plethora of oral issues.
Heart Issues
Inhaling nicotine through e-cigarettes or vapes can also impact your heart health. Nicotine can raise your blood pressure and increase your adrenaline which can result in an increased heart rate and therefore, lead to a heart attack. You are also at an increased risk of coronary artery disease and blood circulation problems.
Vaping and smoking e-cigarettes put you at a higher risk of a multitude of different things. In order to take better care of your body and decrease your risk of major conditions, stop the use of these devices if you have started and do not start if you haven’t. Contact us with any questions you may have!