By now it seems clear that using e-cigarettes or vaping is bad for your lungs
With traditional cigarettes, you inhale smoke from burning tobacco. With vaping, a device such as an e-cigarette is used that heats up a liquid until it turns into a vapor that is inhaled. Vaping coats lungs with potentially harmful chemicals. E-liquid usually includes some mix of flavorings, aromatic additives and nicotine or THC (the chemical in marijuana that causes psychological effects), dissolved in an oily liquid base. Some of the vaporized elements of the oil are getting deep down into the lungs and causing an inflammatory response. Vitamin E is often used as a thickening and delivery agent in e-liquid. And, while it’s safe when taken orally as a supplement or used on the skin, it’s likely an irritant when inhaled. It’s been found in the lungs of people with severe, vaping-related damage.
In August 2019, the CDC began tracking cases of severe lung problems in people who vape. This illness is now called e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI). EVALI can develop suddenly and last only a little while (acute) or progress gradually and steadily over a longer period. Severe cases can be fatal.
EVALI symptoms include chest pain, cough, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, fever, chills. EVALI can affect anyone who vapes. However, you may be at a greater risk of hospitalization from EVALI if you are younger than 35, vape THC, use THC-containing vapes from informal sources.
You can prevent EVALI by avoiding vaping products, especially those containing THC or vitamin E acetate. If you vape, make sure you buy vaping products from a licensed seller.
Vaping can also make the symptoms of any other lung conditions you have worse. More studies are beginning to show that vaping can intensify asthma symptoms and trigger asthma attacks. If you experience any symptoms like shortness of breath, cough or wheezing, come and see your healthcare provider.
In Chaika Clinic Tbilisi now we have an opportunity to perform lung function test to diagnose lung conditions. I have a huge experience in treating patients with various lung diseases, I will be happy to help you deal with your symptoms.
