What are the side effects of vaping?
Vaping involves inhaling and exhaling the vapor produced by an e-cigarette (EC) or similar device (such as a vape pen or MOD). The most common side effects of vaping include:
- Addiction to nicotine (unless nicotine-free cartridges are used)
- Coughing
- Dehydration
- Dizziness
- Dry nose
- Eye irritation
- Exacerbation of asthma in people, with pre-existing asthma
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Sensitive teeth
- A sore throat/dry throat/throat irritation
- Stomach aches
- Tongue sensitivity/tongue numbness/loss of taste.
Other side effects, such as a fast heartbeat (tachycardia), high blood pressure, and possibly seizures have been linked to high levels of nicotine. All products containing nicotine are toxic to children and pets and vaping supplies, including full and empty refills, should be kept out of reach of children and animals, preferably in a locked cupboard. Drinking, sniffing, or even accidentally touching the liquid in ECs can cause poisoning.
Some flavorings (notably diacetyl) and other additives used in ECs have been linked to a respiratory condition called bronchiolitis obliterans, also known as Popcorn Lung. It has also been reported that during the heating and vaporizing process some EC liquids release formaldehyde, a possible carcinogen.
On the positive side, many smokers who have changed to vaping report beneficial side effects associated with vaping compared with conventional cigarettes, such as not smelling of cigarette smoke, better capacity for exercise, or an increased sex drive. Levels of toxins such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein are 9 to 450 times lower in ECs than tobacco products.
Read next
How long does nicotine withdrawal last?
Nicotine withdrawal symptoms can last for several months, although they are typically at their worst during the first week of quitting, especially the first 3 to 5 days. Even though physical cravings tend to subside within a few weeks, the mental and emotional effects associated with nicotine withdrawal may last months, and you may need some help from your doctor to get through these, particularly if you have a history of anxiety or depression. Continue reading
How long does nicotine stay in your system?
Generally, it takes 1 to 3 days after you stop using tobacco for nicotine to clear your blood system and up to 10 days for cotinine (the major breakdown product of nicotine) to be gone. This is an estimate because people process nicotine differently depending on their genetics and it also depends on how much you inhale and how much nicotine is in the cigarette. Continue reading
Does smoking cause non-small cell lung cancer?
Yes, smoking can cause non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common type of lung cancer. NSCLC accounts for about 85% of all cases of lung cancer. Smoking tobacco contributes to 80% to 90% of all lung cancer deaths. Continue reading
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