Exploring the Relationship Between E-Cigarette Usage and Psychological Well-being: Surprising Impact Points You Might Not Be Aware Of
Vaping has become a popular trend in recent years, with millions of people worldwide inhaling and exhaling aerosol produced by electronic cigarettes or similar devices. But what are the health risks associated with this seemingly harmless activity?
Firstly, it's crucial to understand that vaping is not without its short-term physical side effects. Common symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, nausea, throat irritation, and increased asthma symptoms. Vaping can also cause lung injuries such as EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury), increased coughing, wheezing, and irritation of the airways. Nicotine from vaping raises heart rate and blood pressure, putting stress on the heart, and can also lead to skin problems like rashes, dry skin, and acne.
Mentally, nicotine addiction develops quickly with vaping, especially in youth, resulting in cravings and physical dependence. Nicotine harms brain development in youth and young adults, impairing attention, learning, mood regulation, and impulse control. Vaping may worsen anxiety and depression over time despite some beliefs that it relieves stress.
Long-term physical health risks of vaping are less fully understood but concerning. Potential effects include lung damage from harmful chemicals (formaldehyde, acrolein), metals (nickel, lead), and contaminants in vape aerosol. Vaping increases the risk for chronic lung diseases like bronchitis, emphysema, "popcorn lung" (bronchiolitis obliterans), lipoid pneumonia, and spontaneous pneumothorax (collapsed lung). It also raises risks of cardiovascular problems such as increased arterial stiffness, heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. There have also been thousands of cases of serious lung injury linked to vaping (EVALI) leading to hospitalization or death.
Long-term mental effects mainly stem from nicotine’s highly addictive nature and its negative impacts on brain maturation, potentially resulting in chronic addiction, mood disorders, and cognitive impairment.
However, there are strategies that can help those looking to quit vaping. It is recommended to moderate the amount of vapor inhaled and stay hydrated and rested when vaping. Smart strategies such as deep breathing, meditation, or speaking with a therapist can help reduce stress levels and make quitting vaping less difficult. Enlisting the help of friends and family members can also aid in the quitting process.
In some cases, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatments have been linked to helping people quit vaping. It's important to remember that quitting vaping can be a challenge, but having a plan, removing temptations, changing routines, and reducing stress can help make it easier.
In conclusion, while vaping may offer an appealing alternative to traditional smoking, the health risks associated with it are significant and potentially life-threatening. Understanding these risks and seeking help when needed can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
[1] American Lung Association. (2021). Vaping and E-Cigarettes. Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/resources-tools/electronic-cigarettes/ [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Vaping: What you don't know can hurt you. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking/in-depth/vaping/art-20688968 [3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). What is the latest on e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI)? Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html [4] Food and Drug Administration. (2021). E-Cigarettes and Vaping. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/consumers/e-cigarettes-and-vaping
- While the trend of vaping has gained popularity, it's essential to recognize the potential mental health implications, as nicotine addiction develops quickly, particularly in youth, and can lead to mood disorders, cognitive impairment, and chronic addiction.
- Further research in health-and-wellness science is necessary to fully understand the long-term mental and physical health effects of vaping, as concerns include increased risk for mental health issues, chronic lung diseases, cardiovascular problems, and potentially life-threatening lung injuries such as EVALI.
