Mrs Z is worried about her 16-year-old son’s vaping habits and the health risks it poses.
What is vaping?
It’s a form of smoking using a handheld electronic device to breathe a mist/vapor into your lungs. The pen heats a liquid into an aerosol which is inhaled through the pen’s mouthpiece.
The social myth
- Vaping has been socially accepted as ‘safe’, which is not the case:
- While vaping may be marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, it is important to recognise that it is not without risks.
- Vape devices haven’t been around long enough for us to fully quantify the linked health risks, but we do already know it doesn’t look good.
- When compared to vapes and regular cigarettes, vape pens tend to contain lower levels of harmful chemicals, but it’s still present.
Vaping specific risks
- Non-tobacco containing versions contain sweeteners and flavourings made up of harmful chemicals.
- Many vape devices contain similar carcinogens as cigarettes, including Formaldehyde, Acetaldehyde, Nitrosamines.
- These products are linked with the following health risks:
- Reduced lung function. A 2020 study showed a 40 per cent greater chance for respiratory conditions when compared to non-smokers.
- COPD, Emphysema
- Cancer (Oral, Lung, Stomach, Oesophageal)
- Infertility and miscarriages
- Impaired immunity
- Prolonged infections
- The battery is Lithium-ion and leakage can emit toxic fumes, especially from cheap versions or broken form falling or rough handling.
- Certain vape products contain diacetyl, a chemical adding a buttery flavour, which is linked to permanent airway scarring.
- Uncleaned or shared mouth pieces (often the case) pose an increased risk of infection such as flu, TB, herpes (cold sores) and hepatitis.
Important findings during consultation:
Mrs Z’s son sees vaping as an innocent social habit, sharing non-tobacco vapes among friends.
DrT’s advice:
Our lungs typically reach full maturity between 20 and 25 years of age, i.e. damage before maturity is irreversible.
All forms of smoking are harmful. It may still be too early to know the extent of vaping’s health risks, but we know enough already to discourage it’s use. The harsh truth is that the success in smoking cessation relies on the willingness of a person to kick the habit.
It’s very difficult to resist peer pressure, especially when dealing with teenagers.
Best would be to have an open dialogue with your child and face the facts. It’s at times helpful to include your doctor to mediate the conversation and include objective tests, like a medical check-up, chest X-ray and lung function test. If cessation is not an option, then at least provide guidance on safe usage.
Follow for Part 2
Available on The Times of Eswatini (X) & OccHealthEswatini (Facebook). Need advice on a health concern? Burns awareness month is observed during May. For Dr T’s advice, send your health topic related concerns via email talkingtodrt@gmail.com) or direct message to dr.thys (Instagram).
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