This post was written by Dr. Nathan Cannon, MD, Radiation Oncology.
Vaping has been available in the United States for almost 20 years, but there are still many questions regarding the risks and potential benefits of electronic nicotine delivery systems. The continued questions can be divisive, but long-term research can help us learn about the pitfalls of products used over years or decades.
Vaping is often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, but at this time it is unclear if that is true. While vaping does not present the smoke inhalation, tar and other products found in traditional cigarettes, there are additives used in vapes, along with nicotine, which can increase risks. While vitamin E has been removed due to acute lung injury, other additives that remain are known to be dangerous, including lead, diacetyl and formaldehyde. The safety of flavorings inhaled into the lungs has also not been clearly proven. It’s important to remember that nicotine itself is addictive and can have effects on the lungs, heart, brain and other organs.
Safer alternatives to quit smoking
With those risks in mind, there are other options to help people stop smoking including medications such as Chantix and buproprion (Wellbutrin XL®). Newer evidence also shows that GLP-1 inhibitors such as Ozempic® and Mounjaro® reduce cravings for nicotine. Nicotine-containing alternatives such as gum and vaping are generally only recommended as a way to help wean people away from smoking cigarettes over a short period of time rather than a long-term substitute.
The known risks of vaping
In the short term, vaping has been shown to increase inflammation in the lungs, which can lead to shortness of breath and increased cough. Direct damage to bronchial endothelium, the lining of the lungs, has also been seen. These changes can cause exacerbations of asthma and cough. Some of these effects may heal and cause only short-term symptoms. However, prolonged use can lead to permanent consequences, including fibrotic changes like interstitial lung disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The full extent of long-term risks needs further study.
Unfortunately, vaping can also have effects on other organs in the body, including the esophagus, heart, brain and bladder. Early studies have shown increased risks of cancer in the esophagus, lungs and bladder. Nicotine can have a direct effect on the heart through the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased heart rate and high blood pressure. Vaping has been shown to cause more chest pain and palpitations than is seen in patients who use cigarettes. Nicotine affects the part of the brain that control mood and learning.
Final thoughts
Research on the effects of vaping have shown many risks in both the short term and long term. While vaping may be perceived as “safer” than cigarettes, we’re just beginning to understand the true health implications. As these risks are becoming more evident, many groups, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are cautioning against using vaping due to the risks that are known as well as those coming to light through research.
Quitting smoking—fully and permanently—is one of the most impactful health decisions a person can make. Parkview offers Freedom from Smoking®, a free program developed by the American Lung Association® to help you quit smoking. Make the call and get started today!
