Vaping FAQs

how do parents find if kid is vaping

by Dr. Americo Ziemann 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. ...

How Do I Know if My Child Is Vaping?
  • 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

How do I know if my child is vaping?

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.

What should I do if I caught my kid vaping?

I Caught My Kid Vaping. What Should I Do Now? How a parent reacts when they discover their child is vaping can have a huge negative or positive impact on what happens next. 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.

Is Your Teen vaping?

Parents are left wondering if there are clues that may suggest their teen is vaping and in direct harm. 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.

When to call the doctor if your child or teen vapes?

Call your doctor right away if your child or teen vapes and has: 1 coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain 2 nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea 3 tiredness, fever, or weight loss

Why does vaping cause dry mouth?

Why do kids vape?

What are the parts of an e-cigarette?

Does vaping cause acne?

Does vaping make your nose bleed?

Do Juul pods contain nicotine?

Is vaping a risk for teens?

See 4 more

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How can I tell if my child 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.

Can you test someone to see if they are vaping?

Nicotine and THC Home Drug Test Kits detect tobacco, vaping, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine patches, and nicotine gum use by detecting cotinine in human urine.

Can you tell if someone is vaping in your house?

“The biggest thing to look for is paraphernalia, like chargers, cartridges, cartridge packs, e-juice bottles, etc.” he said of items that are left out inadvertently. Parents may smell odors if a child is vaping in the bathroom or bedroom, and they may spot symptoms if their child vapes a synthetic drug, he added.

What to do if you suspect 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.

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 long does nicotine stay in your pee?

People also process nicotine differently depending on their genetics. Generally, nicotine will leaves your blood within 1 to 3 days after you stop using tobacco, and cotinine will be gone after 1 to 10 days. Neither nicotine nor cotinine will be detectable in your urine after 3 to 4 days of stopping tobacco products.

What does vaping smell like?

E-cigarettes don't smell bad like the smoke from combusting tobacco, however, most e-liquids have flavors in them that usually smell nice like candy, mint, vanilla, fruit punch etc. If you catch a sudden whiff of any of these but none of them is around, consider this a red flag.

How long does vape smell last?

Even in a poorly ventilated area with windows shut, any smells from vaping should be gone in only ten minutes or so, instead of lasting around for hours like smoking. When one is vaping outdoors in comparison, the smell from your vape will hardly be noticeable at all and will disappear extremely quickly.

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 does vaping feel like?

Vaping should feel like a warm little cloud has entered your mouth. Depending on what flavour of e-liquid and the nicotine strength you choose, this will dictate what you are tasting on your taste buds and the type of nicotine hit you receive.

What happens if a 13 year old vapes?

Getting addicted to nicotine can make it harder for teenagers to focus and concentrate. E-cigarettes also contain chemicals that could cause cancer, and there are many reports of serious lung problems connected to vaping. Additionally, vaping can make teenagers more likely to start smoking regular cigarettes.

Can you smell vape in a house?

Some vaping products also produce odors that can be hard to remove. These smells may not be as strong as those caused by tobacco smoking; still, a shopper may notice odors while touring the home.

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.

Can doctors tell if you smoke from a blood test?

Nicotine in your blood can be detected using tests that are qualitative (whether or not nicotine is present) and quantitative (how much nicotine is present). These tests can detect nicotine, cotinine, and another breakdown product called anabasine.

5 Signs Your Kid Is 'Vaping' | CafeMom.com

Because e-cigarettes are so new, the industry is largely unregulated compared to traditional tobacco products. Although 20 states have banned the sale of e-cigarettes to minors, the majority still allow it -- or else kids can go online and buy with impunity.. Making matters worse, it's really hard for parents to tell if their kid is vaping, since there's no smoke or telltale smell.

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.

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.

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 cause acne?

Acne. Vaping can affect the surrounding skin. If your teen is having bad breakouts on otherwise controlled skin, this may be a clue. Cutting back on caffeine. If your latte-loving teen is skipping the Starbucks, it could be the nicotine. Vaping plus caffeine can cause anxiety and severe mood swings.

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.

How does vaping affect the brain?

Vaping puts nicotine into the body. Nicotine is highly addictive and can: slow brain development in kids and teens and affect memory, concentration, learning, self-control, attention, and mood. can lead to smoking cigarettes and other forms of tobacco use.

What is vaping in smoking?

What Is Vaping? Vaping is the inhaling of a vapor created by an electronic cigarette ( e-cigarette ) or other vaping device. E-cigarettes are battery-powered smoking devices. They have cartridges filled with a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and chemicals.

Why do people use e-cigarettes?

Some people use e-cigarettes to vape marijuana, THC oil, and other dangerous chemicals. Besides irritating the lungs, these drugs also affect how someone thinks, acts, and feels.

Why do people quit vaping?

People who vape need the right motivation to quit. Wanting to be the best, healthiest version of themselves is an important reason to quit vaping. Here are some others:

How does nicotine addiction affect you?

Nicotine addiction leads to very strong cravings for nicotine. It can also lead to: headaches. feeling tired, cranky, angry, or depressed. trouble concentrating. trouble sleeping. hunger. restlessness. The signs of withdrawal are strongest in the first few days after stopping.

How to help my child quit vaping?

Suggest that your child look into local programs and websites that help people quit vaping. Your health care provider can help you and your child find the right support.

How long does it take for a drug to get better after stopping?

The signs of withdrawal are strongest in the first few days after stopping. They get better over the following days and weeks.

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.

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 is Smokefree Teen?

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

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.

Why does the author suggest talking to teens about how the makers of tobacco products are trying to manipulate them?

Instead of harping on the dangers of smoking, he suggests talking to teens about how the makers of tobacco products are trying to manipulate them — because no teenager wants to believe they could be easily manipulated.

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.

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.

When was Juul introduced?

What is most concerning, however, is the explosive popularity of the JUUL. Introduced by PAX Labs in 2015 as a smoking alternative for adults, JUUL is a brand-name e-cigarette that has outpaced its competition due to its sleek, highly discreet shape that closely resembles a USB flash drive. Small enough to fit into the palm of your hand, each JUUL pod packs in as much nicotine as one pack of cigarettes Image: Juul, The Vape Device Teens are Getting Hooked On.

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 a Juul pod?

To use a JUUL, users purchase JUUL “pods.” As the name suggests, the pod systems are e-cigs that make use of a pod as opposed to a traditional atomizer, although they pretty much serve the same function. If you happen to see discarded JUUL pods in your child’s backpack, bedroom, pockets or elsewhere, there’s reason for concern.

How many high school students use e-cigarettes?

According to the Center’s for Disease Control and Prevention’s annual National Tobacco Survey, 27.5 percent of high school students reported using an e-cigarette within the last 30 days, up from 20.8 percent in 2018. Originally designed to help people quit smoking cigarettes, e-cigs have turned into a national infatuation among teens ...

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.

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.

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.

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.

What flavors do juices come in?

The juice can come in chocolate, strawberries, vanilla, and other sweet flavors to make them more appealing to children. Many teens are inclined about the flavored ones because of their sweetness and mellowness.

Can vaping cause tooth decay?

Vaping massive amounts of smoke can inflame the oral tissues and mouth cells. This could lead to sores, lesions, tooth decay, and other forms of mouth decay. The smoke can be irritating to the throat, which is why many smokers clear their throats or frequently cough. If you notice these signs, it’s time to talk to your child and understand what’s going on.

Can vaping cause nausea?

Some adolescents are not used to vaping. If they could take too much of the juice into their systems, they might experience some fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms are common even if weeks have passed. These things are also common with people who frequently vape.

Does nicotine cause appetite?

Some studies prove that nicotine can suppress one’s appetite. With this said, many teenagers may not be too inclined to eat the three main meals of the day. You may also notice that they tend to skip dinner more than usual. If there is weight loss and the kid is not doing any training and weights, it might be time to know the root cause before it’s too late.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How do I stop vaping?

There is not yet one tried and true "answer" for how to stop vaping , but with good family discussion and support, you and your teen can find out together the best answer for them. Here are some resources I recommend to educate yourself on vaping and prevention:

Why do bad decisions go together?

Adolescence and bad decisions go together for a reason. Neurologically, the parts of the brain responsible for good judgment, planning decisions, and slowing down impulses, are still growing. Developmentally, adolescents are figuring out who they are outside of their family and in the world at large. This has to involve some level of "trying on" ...

Is vaping a trend?

Vaping is a recent trend in youth experimentation, and the dangers are becoming more evident. Parents.com's 'Ask Your Mom' advice columnist Emily Edlynn, Ph.D., explains the ways to deal if your teen is vaping that will make it more likely for them to actually stop. By Emily Edlynn, Ph.D. November 15, 2019.

Do teens want to talk to their parents about vaping?

Teens also want their parents to be approachable for a conversation about vaping. "If kids do decide to experiment with vaping, they should be made to feel comfortable talking to and getting information about the topic from their parents," says Morgan Patsy, 17, from St. Paul, MN.

Who is the columnist on Ask Your Mom?

Submit your parenting questions to 'Ask Your Mom' columnist Emily here, and they may be answered in future 'Ask Your Mom' columns.

Do fear tactics work?

We know from the days of the prolific but totally useless "Just Say No" drug campaign, frying egg on the skillet and all, that fear tactics do not work. Teenagers feel invincible and are very present-focused, so scaring them about what is going to happen in the future often barely makes a dent in their curiosity and impulse to rebel.

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.

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.

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 cause acne?

Acne. Vaping can affect the surrounding skin. If your teen is having bad breakouts on otherwise controlled skin, this may be a clue. Cutting back on caffeine. If your latte-loving teen is skipping the Starbucks, it could be the nicotine. Vaping plus caffeine can cause anxiety and severe mood swings.

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.

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