Vaping FAQs

can vaping trigger asthma

by Prof. Maryse Hill Jr. Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Vaping is known to trigger asthma-like symptoms in both asthmatics

Asthma

A condition in which the airways (the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs) narrow and swell causing reversible obstruction.

and non-asthmatics, including labored breathing, coughing, chest tightness, and wheezing, likely as a direct result of inhaling vaporization products like propylene glycol, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and volatile organic compounds.

Vaping and asthma
More studies are beginning to show that vaping can increase inflammation in the airways and cause breathing difficulties which can intensify asthma symptoms and trigger asthma attacks. A University of California study found that vaping increased the risk of chronic lung disease including asthma.
Nov 29, 2021

Full Answer

Does vape help asthma?

Last but not least, a survey reveals that vaping may reverse the risk of asthma and lung damage in smokers. More doctors are recommending that asthma patients go to the steam roomto help with their asthma. The moisture in the air helps relieve some symptoms. The problem with steam rooms is the extreme heat.

Can I vape If I have asthma?

Vaping may not be 100% safe, but it is definitely a better option than smoking if you are asthmatic. It’s Easy to Inhale When you are diagnosed with asthma, your doctor will prescribe treatment based on the severity of the condition. Traditional treatment methods range from prescribed medications to breathing exercises.

Do you have asthma and still vape?

Vaping when you have asthma can exacerbate your asthma symptoms and may cause other side effects. If you are vaping to help you quit smoking, it could be a better alternative.

What health problems does vaping cause?

Vaping generally affects three main systems:

  • Mouth and airways: Irritation, cough and increased airway resistance
  • Heart and circulation: Chest pain, increased blood pressure and increased heart rate
  • Stomach: Vomiting and nausea

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Can smoking cause asthma symptoms?

When inhaled, tobacco smoke irritates the airways and causes the lungs to produce more mucus. Tobacco smoke also weakens tiny hairs called cilia. C...

What is secondhand smoke?

Secondhand smoke is tobacco smoke that is exhaled by smokers or is given off by burning tobacco and is inhaled by persons nearby. This occurs when...

Can second hand smoke cause asthma symptoms?

Secondhand smoke is just as harmful as smoking. This is particularly true for children with still-developing lungs and airways. Children are more v...

How can you avoid secondhand smoke?

Do not allow others to smoke in your home or car. If your state allows smoking in public places, eat in restaurants that do not allow smoking (“No...

How can you avoid asthma attacks from smoke?

Common symptoms include: Coughing, especially at night, A wheezing or whistling sound, especially when breathing out, Trouble breathing or fast bre...

Is vaping bad for asthma?

One recent study showed that long-term use of e-cigarettes increases the risk of respiratory disease. This includes asthma, COPD and chronic bronch...

Are e-cigarettes harmful to your lungs?

E-cigarettes are also known to contain glycerin. Glycerin is an additive that can cause respiratory tract irritation. The propellant in e-cigarette...

Does JUULing affect asthma?

Like e-cigarettes, many studies show JUUL devices are dangerous. They may lead to an increased risk of respiratory diseases, including asthma, COPD...

Can you improve your asthma by quitting smoking?

Quitting is the single best thing you can do to improve your asthma and your overall health. It can significantly reduce your child’s risk of an as...

What is the purpose of e-cigarettes?

According to a 2018 study in the journal Thorax, aerosolized chemicals in e-cigarettes immobilize immune cells called alveolar macrophages that the body uses to remove allergens, dust, and other asthma triggers from the lungs. 3 .

What is asthma characterized by?

Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by acute episodes of airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction (narrowing of airways). The inflammation can cause the airways to become increasingly hyperresponsive to environmental triggers, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness. E-cigarette vapors should most certainly be included when considering possible triggers.

What are the chemicals in inhalable mist?

These include heavy metals (like tin, nickel, and lead) and oily substances that can become trapped in smaller airways. 1

How many people use vaping?

Vaping has become more than a fad with an estimated 11 million users in the United States. 20  Due to the known and unknown that risks e-cigarettes pose, it is difficult to endorse their use or regard them as a "safer" alternative to smoking. This is especially true if you have asthma.

How to tell if you have ARDS?

Call 911 or seek emergency care if you use e-cigarettes and develop some or all of the following symptoms of ARDS: 1 Severe shortness of breath 2 Labored and rapid breathing 3 Extreme tiredness 4 Dizziness or fainting 5 Nausea or vomiting 6 Blurred vision 7 Confusion

Is vaping bad for asthma?

The risks of vaping are not only limited to users of e- cigarettes. A 2019 study in the journal Chest suggests that secondhand vapors from e-cigarettes increase the risk of attacks in non-users with asthma by 33%. 4 

Can asthma be triggered by vaping?

Because of this, many people with asthma were encouraged to switch to e-cigarettes—that is, vape instead of smoke—under the presumption that the aerosolized vapors were less likely to trigger an asthma attack . But studies now suggest that this may not be the case. There is, in fact, growing evidence that the use of e-cigarettes⁠ (vaping) ...

What Is Asthma?

Also known as bronchial asthma, asthma is a condition in which a person’s airways become inflamed, narrowed, and swelled while producing extra mucus, making it difficult to breathe. Asthma can range from minor to severe. Untreated asthma attacks can even be life-threatening.

Can You Get Asthma From Vaping?

Not only is vaping bad for asthma, but vaping can cause asthma. One study conducted by the University of California found that vaping increased the risk of chronic lung disease, including asthma. Specifically, e-cigarettes users had about a 30% higher chance of developing chronic lung disease than non-smokers, while tobacco smokers had a whopping 160% higher chance of developing chronic lung disease. 1

What About Second-hand Vaping and Asthma?

Can second-hand vaping cause asthma? While more research needs to be conducted, it’s safe to say that developing asthma from inhaling second-hand smoke is possible.

Can smoking cause asthma symptoms?

When inhaled, tobacco smoke irritates the airways and causes the lungs to produce more mucus. Tobacco smoke also weakens tiny hairs called cilia. Cilia sweep away mucus and other irritants out of the airways. So, when cilia are weak mucus and irritants settle in the airways. This leads to asthma symptoms.

What is secondhand smoke?

Secondhand smoke is tobacco smoke that is exhaled by smokers or is given off by burning tobacco and is inhaled by persons nearby. This occurs when you are around others who are smoking.

How can you avoid asthma attacks from smoke?

The best way to avoid asthma attacks from cigarettes is to stay far away from cigarettes and cigarette smoke.

Are e-cigarettes harmful to your lungs?

E-cigarettes contain nicotine which is a drug that acts as a stimulant. It is highly addictive and causes changes in brain chemistry. Nicotine is found in tobacco products which includes cigarettes and e-cigarettes.

Does JUULing affect asthma?

Like e-cigarettes, many studies show JUUL devices are dangerous. They may lead to an increased risk of respiratory diseases, including asthma, COPD and chronic bronchitis.

What is vaping in a cigarette?

Vaping is the inhaling and exhaling of a vapor produced by electronic cigarettes (“e-cigarettes”) or a similar device. Electronic cigarettes are smokeless and battery-operated devices. They are used to deliver nicotine with flavorings or other chemicals to the lungs.

How to prevent secondhand smoke?

How can you avoid secondhand smoke? 1 Do not allow others to smoke in your home or car. 2 If your state allows smoking in public places, eat in restaurants that do not allow smoking. (“No smoking” sections do not protect you from secondhand smoke.] 3 Enroll your child in daycare centers and schools that do not allow tobacco smoking on school grounds. Teach children to stay away from secondhand smoke.

The Mechanics of Vaping

Vaping is a term that refers to the inhalation of vapor from electronic cigarettes. An electronic cigarette differs from a conventional cigarette; a battery powers a heated coil inside a vaporizing chamber. When the user triggers the device, a liquid put inside the chamber turns to vapor.

Vaping and Asthma: The Increased Risks

Even if it is true that e-cigarette vapor contains much less toxic chemicals than cigarette smoke, e-liquid manufacturers are not required to disclose their ingredients. This means that you are not aware of what you’re putting into your lungs. Also, several ingredients pose significant harm and can contribute to asthma.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that vaping is a new and relatively unstudied activity, and growing evidence suggests that it may contribute to asthma symptoms. Ultimately, inhaling foreign chemicals with no scientific evidence about their safety is not a good idea.

What to do if you're around others that vape?

Let's face it - some teens are just trying to survive school without getting bullied. So, do they go along with the crowd, start acting like a class clown to avoid being a target, or just disappear in the background and hope no one notices them?

Can asthma and smoking mix?

It seems obvious to most people that smoking and asthma don't mix. Some people have switched to e-cigarettes and swear that it's better for them. E-cigs also goes by the names like Mods, Cigalikes, Vape Pens, E-Hookah, Shisha Pens or electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS).

Is vaping still an assault on the lungs?

Whether kids are smoking or vaping, it's still assaulting the lungs.

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