STOP VAPING

By: Elena Jamscek, PA-C

• Electronic cigarettes – or e-cigarettes — are also called vapes, e-hookahs, vape pens, and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).
• Using an e-cigarette product is commonly called vaping.
• E-cigarettes work by heating a liquid to produce an aerosol that users inhale into their lungs.
• The liquid can contain: nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinoid (CBD) oils, and other substances and additives.

The CDC states that there have been 805* cases of lung injury reported from 46 states and 1 U.S. territory. Twelve deaths have been confirmed in 10 states all with associated use of electronic cigarettes.

While the risk of lung injury or death from an e-cig or vape pen is scary the health concerns should be just as worrisome.  The devices being used with nicotine products are of the most concern.  Nicotine is the addictive substance.  There is an increased risk of heart disease and heart attack, chronic lung disease, and digestive disorders. It decreases your immune system so illness is more likely and it also impacts reproduction.  Adolescent users are showing slow brain development, decreased memory, concentration, learning, self-control, attention, and changes mood.  These young users are also at an increased risk of other types of addiction later in life

There should be nothing entering your lungs except oxygen!  This is not a post about not using THC, CBD, or essential oils because I think they can help with a myriad of health issues.  This is a post to stop putting them in your lungs.  Inhaling the vapor irritates the lungs and can lead to lung infections, pneumonia, and even death!