Vaping FAQs

why is vaping dangerous especially to the teenage brain

by Janick Leuschke Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

The high levels of nicotine found in many vaping products not only make them more addictive, but also more dangerous for teenage users. According to a study from Duke University, nicotine disrupts important connections happening in the brain during teenage years, leading to abnormalities.

Using nicotine in adolescence can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control. Each time a new memory is created or a new skill is learned, stronger connections – or synapses – are built between brain cells. Young people's brains build synapses faster than adult brains.

Full Answer

How does vaping affect teens?

Vaping puts nicotine into the body. Nicotine is highly addictive and can: slow brain development in teens and affect memory, concentration, learning, self-control, attention, and mood ; increase the risk of other types of addiction later in life; E-cigarettes also: irritate the lungs; may cause serious lung damage and even death

What is the real risk behind teen vaping?

The teen years are critical for brain development, which continues into young adulthood. Young people who use nicotine products in any form, including e-cigarettes, are uniquely at risk for long-lasting effects.

How vaping nicotine can affect a teenage brain?

Animal research by another Yale University scientist suggests that vaping during adolescence can lead to long-term brain changes, like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Addy says. “If there’s exposure to nicotine early on, that can influence attentional processes later in life,” he says.

What is vaping and why do teens do it?

Vaping puts nicotine into the body. Nicotine is highly addictive and can: slow brain development in teens and affect memory, concentration, learning, self-control, attention, and mood. increase the risk of other types of addiction later in life. E-cigarettes also:

How does vaping affect teens?

Where Can Teens Get Help To Stop Vaping?

How Can You Talk To Your Teen About Vaping?

Why is it so hard to quit smoking?

What is an e-cigarette?

What is the substance in e-cigarettes?

How many middle schoolers use e-cigarettes?

See 4 more

About this website

Doctor's warning about dangers of vaping - Mayo Clinic Health System

For the safety of our patients, staff and visitors, Mayo Clinic has strict masking policies in place. Anyone shown without a mask was either recorded prior to COVID-19 or recorded in a non-patient care area where social distancing and other safety protocols were followed.

Is Vaping Bad for You? And 12 Other FAQs - Healthline

Vaping has risks, regardless of what you vape. Although vaping is less risky than smoking cigarettes, the safest option is to avoid vaping and smoking altogether. Read on to learn how vaping can ...

Why are kids vulnerable to vapes?

This may come in the form of peer pressure or stress, which may increase the likelihood of addictive behaviors, he said.

Why do people vape?

Kids and adults also tend to vape for different reasons, Goniewicz said. Adults tend to be former smokers who can handle a high dose of nicotine and want to avoid withdrawal symptoms, such as the inability to sleep or focus on work .

Can vaping cause stomach aches?

Levy said that it’s not uncommon for kids to report symptoms that “sound a lot like nicotine toxicity,” including headaches and stomach aches. She suspects these devices cause nicotine levels in the blood to peak higher than they do with traditional cigarettes – but experts say more research is needed to better understand how vapes work on the body and brain.

Does Levy see vape addiction?

Levy said she’s seen vape-addicted kids in her program showing what appear to be psychiatric symptoms rarely seen with traditional cigarettes or among adults. Some have anxiety and cannot focus, for example.

Does Juul pod contain nicotine?

Experts say that one Juul pod – a cartridge of nicotine-rich liquid that users plug into the dominant e-cig brand – contains the same amount of nicotine as a pack of cigarettes.

Is vaping a threat to teens?

But experts say the technology and chemistry of vaping might pose an entirely different threat.

Can nicotine be used early in life?

We know from cigarette users that those who try nicotine products early in life are more likely to develop dependence to the drug, said Leventhal . This may also lead to the disruption of brain circuits that underlie attention and cognitive skills, he added.

Can vaping companies cut corners?

While large vaping companies are focused on selling as much of their products as possible, they may decide to cut corners in manufacturing or not disclose information about their products to the general public, which can result in serious injuries.

Can vaping cause lung disease?

The person vaping inhales these substances into the lungs, where they can possibly cause illnesses like lung disease.

Is vaping safe for teens?

Many ads that put vaping in a positive light have reached teens through social media. Posts on Twitter and Instagram showcase vaping as a social activity that all young people are doing. It’s portrayed as a part of a social and fun lifestyle. While vaping may be relatively safer when compared to smoking, it’s still extremely dangerous and involves putting dangerous substances into one’s body. However, many teenagers think vaping is completely safe and don’t realize the dangers.

How does nicotine affect young brains?

Research on young mice and rats shows how nicotine hijacks brain systems involved in learning, memory, impulse control and addiction. The link between vaping and severe lung problems is getting a lot of attention.

What is the role of nicotine in the brain?

Nicotine also acts on the brain's dopamine system, which plays a role in desire, pleasure, reward and impulse control.

Does nicotine fool the brain?

So nicotine is able to fool brain cells that have something called a nicotinic receptor.

Does vaping cause lung problems?

The link between vaping and severe lung problems is getting a lot of attention. But scientists say they're also worried about vaping's effect on teenage brains. "Unfortunately, the brain problems and challenges may be things that we see later on down the road," says Nii Addy, associate professor of psychiatry and cellular ...

Do teens smoke or vape?

For example, studies suggest that physically active teens are less likely than their peers to smoke but no less likely to vape. Another challenge is that it's hard for scientists and regulators to keep up with the rapid pace of change in the vaping world.

Can you use an e-cigarette again?

Research shows that "if the first e-cigarette that you used was flavored, then you're more likely to go on and use an e-cigarette again," Audrain-McGovern says. Another promising approach is to make nicotine-vaping products more expensive.

Does vaping affect your brain?

Animal research by another Yale University scientist suggests that vaping during adolescence can lead to long-term brain changes, like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Addy says. "If there's exposure to nicotine early on, that can influence attentional processes later in life," he says.

Why are e-cigarettes not safe to eat?

For example, some e-cigarette flavorings may be safe to eat but not to inhale because the gut can process more substances than the lungs. 1. Defective e-cigarette batteries have caused some fires and explosions, a few of which have resulted in serious injuries.

How does nicotine affect the brain?

Using nicotine in adolescence can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control. 1.

How much nicotine is in Juul pods?

All JUUL e-cigarettes have a high level of nicotine. According to the manufacturer, a single JUUL pod contains as much nicotine as a pack of 20 regular cigarettes. 2

How do e-cigarettes produce aerosols?

E-cigarettes produce an aerosol by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals that help to make the aerosol. The liquid used in e-cigarettes often contains nicotine and flavorings. This liquid is sometimes called “e-juice,” “e-liquid,” “vape juice,” or “vape liquid.”. Users inhale e-cigarette aerosol ...

What is a Juul?

JUUL is a brand of e-cigarette that is shaped like a USB flash drive. Like other e-cigarettes, JUUL is a battery-powered device that heats a nicotine-containing liquid to produce an aerosol that is inhaled.

What are the most popular flavors of e-cigarettes in 2020?

5 Among high school students who currently used any type of flavored e-cigarettes in 2020, the most commonly used flavors are fruit (73.1%), mint (55.8%), menthol (37.0%), and candy, desserts , or other sweets (36.4%). 5.

What is an e-cigarette?

E-cigarettes are electronic devices that heat a liquid and produce an aerosol, or mix of small particles in the air. E-cigarettes come in many shapes and sizes. Most have a battery, a heating element, and a place to hold a liquid. Some e-cigarettes look like regular cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. Some look like USB flash drives, pens, ...

Why is vaping so difficult?

This is due to the difficulty in correctly identifying what they inhaled, especially when they are intubated or unconscious.

Why is vaping so popular among teens?

First publicized as a safer alternative to smoking tobacco, vaping caught on because it didn't contain the carcinogens or tars found in most smoking tobacco products. Also, vaping was supposed to eliminate the dangers of secondhand smoke to those nearby.

How long does a vape last?

Did you know most cigarettes are smoked within two to five minutes? E-cigarettes on the other hand can last up to 20 minutes, delivering more nicotine and damaging chemicals to the lungs. In addition, some vaping mixtures can contain 20 times the nicotine that a single cigarette contains.

What is an e-cigarette?

E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that heat a liquid solution — usually, but not always, containing nicotine — turning it into a vapor that can be inhaled . If the base nicotine mixture is not palatable, many flavors, such as mint, apple and others, can make vaping attractive, especially to adolescents.

How to help a teenager who is vaping?

Encourage your teen to look into the warnings and media stories related to vaping, or reach out to his or her primary care provider with questions.

How to tell if a child is vaping?

Talk with your kids about the dangers of vaping, but also look for warning signs including: 1 Changes in emotions 2 Trouble sleeping 3 Scents of fruity odors on skin, breath and clothes 4 Strange cylinders, chargers or batteries lying around

Is vaping bad for teens?

Adolescents often feel that bad things happen to everyone else, but the risks associated with vaping are real. Many teens are taking things a step further, adding cannabis, CBD oils and other dangerous additives to vaping devices.

TEEN VAPING: A NATIONWIDE EPIDEMIC

In December of 2018, the Surgeon General Jerome Adams issued a rare advisory. He declared e-cigarette use among youth a national epidemic.

BUT DOES VAPING LEAD TO OTHER DRUGS?

A new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that teenagers who try e-cigarettes are more likely to begin smoking traditional cigarettes later on. Take this conclusion with a grain of salt: the authors note there’s just a strong association, not necessarily causation.

VAPING: THE HARD FACTS

As a parent or guardian, it’s important to understand the risks associated with vaping. Here are some quick facts.

WHAT CAN PARENTS DO?

As always, open and honest communication is key. It may feel easier to rely on scare tactics and misinformation, but for this topic, the truth is already convincing. Start a conversation with your teen with these tips as a guide:

SOURCES

Adolescent Exposure to Toxic Volatile Organic Chemicals From E-CigarettesU.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2018: Surgeon General releases advisory on E-cigarette epidemic among youth

How many teens are vaping in 2018?

Health Risks Among Teens. An estimated 3.6 million middle school and high school students reported vaping in 2018, up from 2.1 million the year before. If trends hold steady, that number will continue to rise. Teens and young adults are particularly vulnerable to the effects of vaping products, especially those containing nicotine.

Why do electronic cigarettes explode?

Injuries. Electronic cigarettes use lithium-ion batteries to heat coils and produce an aerosol. On rare occasions, those batteries can malfunction, causing the device to overheat, catch fire, or even explode.

What is electronic cigarette?

Commonly referred to as “vaping,” these products use an aerosolized vapor infused with flavors or nicotine that are then inhaled by the user.

How does an e-cigarette work?

Unlike cigarettes that work by burning to bacco and producing smoke, e-cigarettes heat up liquid to create vapor. A lot of different companies make e-cigarette products, and the kinds of ingredients found in some liquid cartridges can differ from one brand to the next. Some of the most common harmful substances found in vaping products include ...

Is vaping legal in 2020?

As of Feb. 1, 2020, the FDA has banned the manufacture and sale of flavored vaping products (excluding menthol and tobacco). 1 . However, the criteria for product acceptance can still be as loose as it “ does not raise different questions of public health ” compared to an existing tobacco product.

Does vaping affect blood flow?

Another concern flagged by recent research is the potential harm vaping might have on cardiovascular health. Some chemicals found in e-cigs, such as nicotine, can affect blood flow. Studies show that regular use of electronic cigarettes could increase your chances of heart attack, stroke, and even heart disease. In fact, research shows e-cig users are almost twice as likely to experience a heart attack compared to non-users, even when analysts controlled for other known risk factors, including smoking status.

Do electronic cigarettes affect health?

Not much is known about how electronic cigarettes affect long-term health. They’re still too new, and a lot more research is needed. Recent studies, however, have started to find connections between using electronic cigarettes and serious or chronic health issues, including COPD and heart attacks.

How does vaping affect teens?

Discussion points may include: 1 Vaping is addictive: Nicotine creates an addiction that hooks you, which makes you dependent on the substance. 2 Vaping is toxic: Talk about the types of toxic substances that are found in e-cigarettes. 3 Vaping affects the brain: Teens may not realize how nicotine may permanently affect a developing brain. 4 Your story: If you use nicotine products, talk about how you wish you never started or your struggle to stop.

Where Can Teens Get Help To Stop Vaping?

Quitting nicotine by yourself is difficult. Because it’s an addiction, it involves not only getting over the physical withdrawal symptoms but also changing behavior.

How Can You Talk To Your Teen About Vaping?

Talk to your adolescent about the dangers of vaping. Start by engaging your child in a conversation, not lecturing. Try to get a feel for what's going on at your child's school or in their social circle. Answer their questions and troubleshoot social obstacles they may face in saying no to vaping.

Why is it so hard to quit smoking?

Because nicotine is highly addictive, it's hard for people to quit once they start using it. Withdrawal symptoms include: Intense cravings. Anxiety and irritability.

What is an e-cigarette?

E-cigarettes – also called e-cigs, Juuls and vape pens – are battery-powered devices that heat liquid concoctions to create an inhalable vapor. They're becoming so common, it's likely your teen or their friends have tried them. In the last year alone, 78 percent more high school students started using e-cigarettes.

What is the substance in e-cigarettes?

E-cigarettes are loaded with just as much, or sometimes much more, addiction-forming nicotine as well as other toxic substances.

How many middle schoolers use e-cigarettes?

One in every 20 middle school students is already using e-cigarettes. So, having a discussion with your child before middle school is ideal. If you have older teens, it's not too late – talk to them about the dangers of vaping and how to avoid getting hooked.

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