Vaping FAQs

how do i know if my son is vaping

by Palma Kessler Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Here are some signs that your child may be vaping:

  • Increased thirst. Vaping is hydroscopic, meaning the process of vaping removes hydration from skin of the mouth and throat. ...
  • Desire for flavor. Moisture is key to enjoying the flavor of foods. ...
  • Nosebleeds. Just like vaping dries the mouth, it dries the skin of the nose as well. ...
  • Acne. ...
  • Cutting back on caffeine. ...
  • Pneumonia. ...
  • Finding unfamiliar USB drives, battery chargers or spare parts. ...

Signs of vaping include: new health issues such as coughing or wheezing. e-cigarette supplies, like cartridges or other suspicious looking items. new smells (some flavorings are banned, but others are in nicotine and marijuana vapes — so parents might notice fruity or sweet scents)

Full Answer

What are the signs that your child is vaping?

What to Look For – Signs Your Kid is Vaping

  • Nosebleeds: Vaping dries out the nasal passageways. A dry nose can crack and bleed. ...
  • Increased Thirst and Dry Mouth: Vaping is hydroscopic – meaning it dries out the mouth and throat. ...
  • Caffeine Intake: Nicotine and caffeine together increase irritability, mood swings, and anxiety. ...
  • ‘Vaper’s Tongue:’ When the mouth is dry, it loses some flavor perception. ...

What do if you caught your kid vaping?

If you know your kid is vaping, you need to talk to them about it. You want to get enough information to understand the behavior itself, and what might make it hard to stop. Find out what your ...

How do you know if your child might be Vaping?

“Some signs that your child may be using are trouble breathing, chest pain, coughing, fatigue, night sweats and slowed caffeine use.” Pecht urged parents to pay attention to the signs and is offering free education sessions for parents at Clear Concepts this Saturday and April 2.

How to know if your kid is vaping marijuana?

Signs Your Child is Vaping and Next Steps to Take

  • Moodiness. According to SmokeFree.gov nicotine and mood are inextricably linked. ...
  • Irregular Periods. ...
  • Increased Heart Rate / Restlessness. ...
  • Shortness of Breath / Chest Pains. ...
  • Acne / Skin Changes. ...
  • Pneumonia. ...

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What are 5 signs that someone is vaping?

Signs a person is vapingA sweet scent in the air. ... Unfamiliar pens and USB drives. ... Drinking more water. ... Nosebleeds. ... Smoker's cough or mouth sores. ... New batteries and chargers. ... Discarded vaping pods and devices.

Is there a test to see if your child is vaping?

"We can test in the blood, the urine, saliva, or hair." Here is a breakdown of test for cotinine: Urine Test: Good choice if a parent suspects his or her child has used nicotine over the last few days. An instant test is available, and parents can get results within five to 10 minutes.

What are the warning signs of vaping?

In August 2019, the CDC began tracking cases of severe lung problems in people who vape....Someone with EVALI may have breathing and digestive problems, along with other symptoms, including:Fever.Chills.Cough.A hard time breathing.Shortness of breath.Chest tightness.Belly pain.Loss of appetite (not hungry)More items...•

What are 3 signs of a vaping addiction?

There are also several physical signs of addiction.Dry Mouth. Propylene glycol, a common ingredient found in e-juice, can cause dry mouth. ... Dizziness. Researchers monitored 33 smokers over 21 days. ... Coughing. For some, vaping is a gateway to smoking. ... Skin Problems. ... Itchiness. ... Dry Eyes. ... Nosebleeds. ... Nicotine Overdose.More items...•

Can I test my son for nicotine?

If you are a concerned parent or social worker you can use a urine test to detect cotinine. The urine test is a good choice if a you suspect a minor has used nicotine over the last few days. An instant test provides results to parents in five to 10 minutes.

Is there a device that can detect vaping?

3D Sense is a vape detector that works on many of these fronts to help combat vaping. 3D Sense continuously monitors its environment to detect vaping, smoking, and air quality disruptions. When vaping is detected, chosen contacts get an alert on their phone so they can investigate further.

Should I punish my child for vaping?

Now that you are aware of the hazards brought by e-cigarettes, you have every right to punish your teen for vaping. It does not matter if they are only using it for recreational purposes. Vaping is still addictive and damaging. Some ways to punish your child are scolding and grounding them.

How do I get my kid to stop vaping?

5 Tips to Help Teens Quit VapingReason with your child. Have an honest discussion about the effects of vaping and how this type of addiction can lead to other substance abuse. ... Be present. ... Talk, don't punish. ... Appeal to their desire for independence. ... Equip them with support and resources.

What is Vaper's tongue?

Vaper's tongue (also known as vaper's fatigue) is a term that covers taste-related ailments. Often this happens from frequent use of a single, individual flavour. So, if you've been vaping the same flavour for a few weeks. you'll probably start to notice the difference in taste or lack thereof.

What can a 15 year old do when vaping?

Invite your child to talk, be patient and ready to listen. If your child is caught vaping or admits to vaping, try to stay calm and non-judgmental. Listen, don't lecture. Try to understand their feelings. Avoid showing judgment.

Is vaping worse than smoking?

1: Vaping is less harmful than smoking, but it's still not safe. E-cigarettes heat nicotine (extracted from tobacco), flavorings and other chemicals to create an aerosol that you inhale. Regular tobacco cigarettes contain 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic.

What are 5 negative effects of vaping?

The most commonly-reported adverse effects were throat/mouth irritation, headache, cough, and nausea, which tended to dissipate with continued use....Coughing, dry throat, headachescoughing.dry mouth and throat.shortness of breath.mouth and throat irritation.headaches.

Is there a test to see if my teen is vaping?

Lamkin recommends that $50 test to parents who believe vaping has happened in the last few days. If you want to look back farther, he says a hair follicle test for $120 is a better bet. A good choice if parents think their child might stop vaping to pass the test. The hair test goes back three months.

Is there a way to test for nicotine at home?

The NicConfirm Nicotine Home Drug Test is a rapid, oral fluid screening test that can be performed without the use of an instrument. The test utilizes antibodies to selectively detect elevated levels of specific drugs in human oral fluid.

What do you do if your child is vaping?

If your child is caught vaping or admits to vaping, try to stay calm and non-judgmental. Listen, don't lecture....Invite your child to talk, be patient and ready to listen.Try to understand their feelings.Avoid showing judgment.Keep asking questions and check to make sure you understand.

What is Vaper's tongue?

Vaper's tongue (also known as vaper's fatigue) is a term that covers taste-related ailments. Often this happens from frequent use of a single, individual flavour. So, if you've been vaping the same flavour for a few weeks. you'll probably start to notice the difference in taste or lack thereof.

How do you know if your child is vaping?

The vapors disrupt the immune system which can have harsh effects on human cells. Keep your eye on your child if they complain of sores in their mouth or begin to show signs of an unexplained cough. It could be a sign that your child is vaping.

How long does a vape pen battery last?

While some vape pens can be charged with a simple USB cable, most require batteries. And, since an e-cig vape pen battery typically only lasts two hours with constant use, the battery needs to be charged regularly. If you find an unfamiliar battery or battery charging device, this could serve as another red flag that your child may be vaping.

What are the most common e-cigarettes for teens?

E-cigs come in many forms. They can resemble traditional tobacco cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. However, the most common e-cigs among teens are JUULs – sleek devices that resemble a USB flash drive – and vape pens that resemble traditional pens.

What does it mean when a pen looks like a USB drive?

If you come across an unusual looking pen or USB drive, often with holes on each end, chances are it’s a vaping device and not a typical pen or USB drive.

What is an atomizer in an e-cigarette?

The atomizer is an important part of any e-cig. It’s the component of the e-cig that turns the e-liquid into vapor. The atomizers don’t last forever and eventually need to be discarded. If you come across a discarded atomizer in your child’s room, it can be a good indication that your child has been vaping.

What is e-liquid flavored?

Although the vapor produced by e-cigarettes can be either odorless or scented, given the choice, most teenagers will choose the scented (or flavored) vapor. The e-liquid, also known as e-juice, available on the market for e-cigarettes comes in a variety of enticing flavors such as Gummi Bear, Berry Lush, Frozen Lime Drop, and Watermelon Wave that all too many teens are eager to try. If you notice a sweet scent that is unexplainable, it might require further investigation on your part.

Is vaping harmful to your lungs?

While vaporized liquid has been found by researchers to be less harmful to lungs than smoking traditional cigarettes, researchers and experts have found that vaping has a host of damaging side effects. Aside from the documented side effects associated with vaping, the vape devices are compatible with Marijuana making substance abuse easier ...

Why do kids vape?

If you see your child heavily increasing their liquid consumption (and also peeing more), they may be vaping. Desire for flavor. Moisture is key to enjoying the flavor of foods. When the mouth is dried out, you lose flavor perception. So, with routine vaping, food can become less flavorful.

Why does vaping cause dry mouth?

Increased thirst. Vaping is hydroscopic, meaning the process of vaping removes hydration from skin of the mouth and throat. This leaves users with a dry, flat palate. As a natural consequence, the body craves liquids to combat dehydration. If you see your child heavily increasing their liquid consumption (and also peeing more), they may be vaping.

What are the parts of an e-cigarette?

E-cig devices do have parts and cartridges that need to be exchanged and replaced. Commonly, these parts are spare wires, cotton balls or small containers (“pods”) that contain e-juice. If your teen is carrying an unfamiliar tech-looking device, or if there are interesting items in their trash bin, I might ask.

Does vaping make your nose bleed?

So, with routine vaping, food can become less flavorful. This even has a name: “vaper's tongue.”. If your teen is reaching for the salt or enjoying unusually spicy foods, this may be a clue. Nosebleeds. Just like vaping dries the mouth, it dries the skin of the nose as well. When the nose gets dry, it can bleed. Acne.

Do Juul pods contain nicotine?

Most importantly, however, is the knowledge that kids’ brains are super sensitive to nicotine. All Juul and Phix pods contain nicotine. When an immature brain (read: less than 25 years old) is exposed, it takes less of the drug to get addicted.

Is vaping a risk for teens?

Watch for signs of nicotine use in your teen to help with early intervention. As the popularity of vaping continues to rise, so does your child’s risk.

Is vaping bad for kids?

Short-term data and common sense confirm that vaping and kids is a bad combination. Research supports the notion that e-cigs are a potential gateway to consuming traditional tobacco products, leading to another generation of kids who will become exposed to tobacco’s known harmful effects.

How do you know if you're vaping?

When it comes to vaping, there aren’t very many physical signs to look out for. However, bloodshot eyes can be an indication that your child has been vaping. Propylene Glycol, a chemical compound found in “e-juice,” is known to irritate eyes and dry them out. Smoke can cause blood vessels in your eyes to constrict, which dries out the surface of your eyes.

Why does vaping cause dehydration?

The chemical compounds Propylene Glycol (PG) that make up the ingredients in vaping juice extract water molecules from surrounding areas. As a result, when vapor enters the body, it gives the user a dry mouth and may cause your child to have excessive thirst.

How to teach your child about e-cigarettes?

Knowing the facts about the dangers of E-cigarettes when you sit down with your child will be a crucial part to laying down the law. They may have several questions for you and the more prepared you are, the better. Set an example for your little ones and avoid smoking or smoking around them. Keep the conversation going and reach out to your teen. Let them know you are there if they need to talk and encourage them to set an example among their peers.

Is it safe to smoke e-cigarettes?

E-cigarettes have been marketed as a safe alternative to smoking. However, these battery powered devices are not safe and can be just as addicting as regular tobacco cigarettes. In recent years, there has been an enormous spike in young kids being exposed to liquid nicotine and vaping either through peers, their parents or the media.

Do e-cigarettes smell like candy?

E-cigarettes don’t have the same smell as a traditional cigarette. In fact, some experts believe a big appeal to the younger generation is the wide variety of candy-like flavors. Some smell and tastes like bubblegum, cotton candy or fruit. If you are picking up on strong and fruity odors, there’s a chance your young one may be vaping in the other room.

Can e-cigarettes cause smoking?

If you’re concerned your child may be vaping marijuana, read this article published by Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, “ How to Know if Your Kid is Vaping Marijuana, ” which outlines exactly how marijuana is vaped, how you can recognize the warning signs and what you can do if you suspect your child is vaping marijuana.

Is vaping slowing down?

Ranked as one of the top highest concerns of parents today, the infatuation with vaping among teenagers shows no sign of slowing down . To better understand what vaping is, how vape products work, more information about how to recognize if your child is vaping and what steps you can take to prevent your child from vaping, here are a few additional resources worth reading:

Does vaping cause acne?

While there’s no clear connection between vaping, in general, and acne, experts have noted a connection between nicotine and changes in the skin, including increased risk for acne. Nicotine has also been found to age the skin and slow the healing process of wounds. And, since products such as JUUL contain high levels of nicotine, teens are at risk for changes in their skin.

Does vaping cause irregular periods?

Although the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed with Raising Teens Today that vaping in and of itself may not be to blame for irregular periods or shifts in a woman’s menstrual cycle, smoking cigarettes (which has a high nicotine content similar to e-cig nicotine products such as Juuls) has been found to disrupt the normal menstrual cycle. According to the CDC, “Some studies suggest that cigarette smoking may alter menstrual function by increasing the risks for dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), secondary amenorrhea (lack of menses among women who ever had menstrual periods), and menstrual irregularity.” WebMD also confirmed that statement, “Women who smoke experience more severe premenstrual symptoms and have a 50 percent increase in cramps lasting two or more days.”

Is nicotine bad for kids?

Nicotine has it’s fair share of dangerous side effects, however, kids are especially at risk. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Teenage smokers suffer from shortness of breath almost three times as often as teens who don’t smoke.” And, according to cardiologist, John D. Day, MD, director of heart rhythm specialists at Intermountain Heart Institute in Murray, Utah, “E-cigarettes have nicotine and nicotine has dangerous cardiovascular effects. This is because nicotine narrows the arteries in the heart and throughout the body, he says. Over time, this can cause serious harm to the cardiovascular system and lead to heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.”

Do teens know what they're vaping?

The article, Vaping Teens Exposed to as Much Nicotine as Tobacco Smokers But Don’t Know It, brings to light results of an alarming new study that confirms our worst fear – teens have no idea exactly what they’re vaping.

Can vaping cause stiffness?

A study conducted by the Karolinska Institute, a medical university in Stockholm, found that vape products with nicotine can result in stiffening of the arteries as well as increased heart rate and blood pressure. The study found that 30 minutes after vaping, study participants experienced a significant increase in blood pressure, heart rate and arterial stiffness.

What are the signs of a vaping habit?

Vaping devices usually come with detachable parts. Disposable or refillable pods that contain the e-juice (or e-liquid or vape juice), atomizers, coils and lithium-ion batteries and chargers are some of the more obvious signs of a vaping habit. However, some vaping devices may look like benign objects in disguise.

What are the symptoms of vaping?

Symptoms may include chest pain, increased heart rate, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, fever, nausea and fatigue.

What does a Juul vape look like?

However, some vaping devices may look like benign objects in disguise. JUUL achieved phenomenal success in part by designing its devices to resemble USB drives that can be hidden and charged in plain sight. Other manufacturers are now designing vape devices that resemble watches, pens, markers and other common objects.

Why do vapers cough?

Vaping inflames mouth cells and oral tissue, which could lead to lesions, gum disease, tooth loss and other forms of oral decay. It can also irritate the throat, causing vapers to frequently cough or clear their throat. 9. Lung injury, chest pain.

How many high schoolers have vaped?

Last year, federal health officials made a shocking announcement: More than one in five high schoolers and one in 20 middle schoolers reported that they had vaped within the past month. This year, the epidemic of youth vaping has continued to grow. More than 3.6 million U.S. school children vape, according to the Surgeon General.

Why is vaping bad for kids?

If your child’s academic or athletic performance starts to decline, it could be due to nicotine-induced changes in the brain. Students who get caught vaping at school may be suspended or kicked off the team.

Why does my child have trouble breathing?

3. Shortness of breath. If your child is an athlete and starts having trouble breathing during practices or games, it could be due to vaping.

What to do if your child is caught vaping?

If your child is caught vaping or admits to vaping, try to stay calm and non-judgmental. Listen, don’t lecture.

How to encourage someone to vape?

Say things like, “Tell me more about what led you to vape.” and “What are some of the reasons?” Let them know you are concerned about their vape use becoming more frequent, but try to encourage them to keep talking by asking open-ended, non-judgmental questions.

How to help a child with a phobia?

Invite your child to talk, be patient and ready to listen. 1 Try to understand their feelings. 2 Avoid showing judgment. 3 Keep asking questions and check to make sure you understand.

Is vaping water vapor?

Many youth who vape believe that what they’re using is just harmless water vapor. In order to understand what they’re using and what they’re going through, it’s important to get informed about vaping before you discuss it.

Do vapes contain nicotine?

Most vapes contain nicotine. Many even say “nicotine free” on the label. Most teens start out thinking they can stop whenever they want and won’t ever become addicted. And lots more start smoking cigarettes, a product that kills half its users. In fact, a teen who vapes is four times more likely to start smoking.

Can vaping cause memory issues?

On top of that, teens who vape nicotine or THC from marijuana may have trouble learning and memory issues. And the chemicals used to create vape flavorings can damage the lungs, heart, and immune system, whether or not nicotine is present.1.

What is the chemical in e-liquid?

When heated, the e-liquid, which usually contains propylene glycol, glycerol, nicotine and chemical flavoring, turns into an aerosol. This aerosol contains some of the same toxic chemicals found in cigarette smoke such as formaldehyde, chromium, lead and nickel, exposing the lungs to toxic metal particles and other cancer-causing chemicals.

Why does vaping cause dry mouth?

Vaping can cause dehydration or dry mouth, most likely a cause of the ingredient in the e-liquid called propylene glycol. If your teen is drinking more water or has dark circles under their eyes, a symptom of dehydration, you may want to investigate further.

What is a vape pod?

Here's what we do know. Vaping uses a battery powered device called an e-cigarette that warms a liquid, turning it into a vapor that can be inhaled. The liquid is typically purchased in pods and comes in a variety of flavors. Most e-cigarette pods contain nicotine that is often more concentrated than in cigarettes and impacts brain function, attention and memory. For instance, JUUL pod packs can provide as much nicotine as one pack of cigarettes.

How to prevent vaping?

In the meantime, the best way to prevent your child from engaging in vaping is to continue to have open conversations and stay keenly aware of their habits.

Why does my child have nosebleeds?

Propylene glycol, one of the chemicals in the e-liquid, is a dehydrating chemical that can reduce moisture inside the nose. When a person vapes, they typically exhale vapor through the nose, causing dryness, which can lead to nosebleeds.

Why do teens have a sensitivity to caffeine?

Because e-cigarettes often contain such high doses of caffeine, teens can sometimes develop a sensitivity to caffeine. If you notice your teen has cut back on drinking caffeine products like coffee or energy drinks, it could indicate a sign of vaping.

How to help a child with e-cigarettes?

The best approach is to have regular conversations with your child about the use of e-cigarettes and tobacco products , and hope you can have a positive impact on their habits. You should also be aware of the friends and company that your child keeps. If they are e-cigarette or tobacco users, there's a good chance your child is using these products as well.

What is the most important thing Jenssen and Mopper discuss?

One of the most important things both Jenssen and Mopper discuss is avoiding a situation where you might catch your teenager vaping before being aware it’s something they’ve tried.

What is Smokefree Teen?

Smokefree Teen is another resource with apps and texting options teens can access at any time.

How many people vape in school?

He says his clients report that, “at any given time between classes, there can be 15 to 20 people vaping in the school bathroom.”

What to do if your teenager is addicted to nicotine?

If your teenager has a nicotine addiction, your first step should be consulting with their pediatrician or your family doctor. They can help you determine how serious the addiction is and what options might be available for helping your teenager quit.

Why is it important for teens to push back against their parents?

“As kids turn to teens, it’s natural for them to push back against their parents to assert their independence and to turn to their peers for support and guidance instead,” Mopper said.

How many high school seniors have vaped?

In December 2018, the National Institute on Drug Abuse released a report detailing a “dramatic increase” in the use of vaping devices by teenagers, stating that 37.3 percent of high school seniors had vaped within the previous year.

How to react when a parent discovers their child is vaping?

Getty Images. Experts advise parents who discover their teen is vaping to react in a calm and measured manner. Ask questions and listen to the answers they give.

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