The dangers of vaping

In recent years, e-cigarettes and vaping products have surged in popularity, often promoted as safer alternatives to traditional smoking. However, mounting evidence shows that vaping poses significant risks to lung health, including a condition called e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI).

“Vaping creates a false sense of safety, but the reality is that it traps individuals in a cycle of addiction with serious consequences,” said Dr. Shanda Blackmon, Baylor Medicine thoracic surgeon. “It’s not just a habit – it’s a powerful addiction that can lead to severe, life-threatening conditions like EVALI, affecting even young and seemingly healthy individuals and resulting in hospitalization and long-term health complications.”

What is EVALI?

EVALI is a lung condition linked to the use of e-cigarettes and vaping products. First identified in 2019, thousands of cases have been reported nationwide. Symptoms of EVALI can mimic other respiratory illnesses, making it crucial to recognize early warning signs. These may include:

• Persistent coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fever or chills
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms after vaping, seek medical attention immediately.

What makes vaping dangerous?

Despite being marketed as a healthier alternative to smoking, vaping products contain substances that can harm the body. Many e-cigarettes include high levels of nicotine, THC and chemicals that damage lung tissue. Additionally, the long-term health effects of vaping remain largely unknown, raising concerns about its safety.

Research has shown that vaping may:

• Increase the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
  • The American Heart Association notes that e-cigarette use is associated with negative cardiovascular effects similar to those of smoking traditional cigarettes.
  • Research funded by the National Institutes of Health in 2022 revealed that long-term use of e-cigarettes can impair blood vessel function, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Lead to nicotine addiction, especially among teens and young adults.
  • The American Lung Association highlights that vaping is particularly dangerous for young people, as nicotine can harm brain development.
• Cause irreversible lung damage, even in those who avoid EVALI.
  • A 2022 review published in The BMJ discussed the impact of vaping on respiratory health, noting associations with acute lung injury and potential long-term effects on lung function.

“We’ve seen young patients suffer from lung injuries that will affect their quality of life for years to come,” Blackmon said. “The idea that vaping is harmless couldn’t be further from the truth.”

What you can do

If you’re considering vaping or switching from traditional smoking, consult with a healthcare professional for evidence-based guidance. Quitting smoking altogether is the best way to protect your lungs and overall health. For those who already vape, recognizing the risks and seeking help to quit is critical.

“Education is key,” Blackmon said. “Understanding the real dangers of vaping can prevent serious health consequences and save lives.”

Insurance often covers smoking cessation programs, and Baylor Medicine offers one through the Thoracic Surgery Clinic. Call 713-798-6376 to make an appointment with a tobacco treatment specialist.

By Tiffany Harston, senior communications associate in the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery