Dr.Yashaswi Shrestha 
Vape- the term is popular today, but not everyone knows what it really is. You probably just know vaping as being the ‘healthier, less risky’ alternative to smoking. But is that statement really true? Not quite. But first, it is important to understand what the term ‘vaping’ means. Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling vapor or aerosol. This vapor is produced through e-cigarettes, vape pens or other similar devices. The vaping device consists of a cartridge, a battery, a heating component and a mouthpiece. The cartridge contains an e-liquid or an e-juice which is then heated to produce vapor. This vapor or aerosol is then inhaled into the lungs and then exhaled. Now that you know how e-cigarettes work, let us tell you five important facts that you should know about vaping.
FDA has not yet approved of E-cigarettes and other vaping devices
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had not yet approved of e-cigarettes and other devices as an aiding device for smoking cessation. Until recently, there were no standard restrictions against these vaping devices. Neither were there any safety standards and these vaping devices were wrongly advertised as “risk free”. Manufacturers even today use various flavorings and colors to attract children and adolescents into the habit of vaping. But no research has shown that such e-cigarettes have helped people to quit smoking.
E-Cigarettes contain nicotine
Though not a lot of people know, a majority of the e-cigarettes do contain nicotine. Nicotine, which is also found in other cigarettes, is a
n addictive substance which can even lead to nicotine dependence. Furthermore, prolonged use of nicotine has been said to make the use of other drugs, such as cocaine, more enjoyable. This increases the chance of drug abuse in those using e-cigarettes as well.
In terms of children and teenagers, it has been shown to increase the likelihood of them using other tobacco products. JUUL(a brand of e-cigarettes shaped like a USB flash-drive) is said to contain the highest amounts of nicotine.
E-cigarettes contain potentially carcinogenic substances
A lot of research is being done on e-cigarettes, but the truth is that a lot of it is still not proven. In fact, contrary to popular belief, some researches have shown that vape may be just as dangerous as smoking cigarettes. This is because the liquid that is used in the e-cigarettes have not been extensively studied. Many of the chemicals in the e-liquid have been suggested to be carcinogenic. They have also been said to cause lung and heart diseases. Symptoms such as cough, nausea, stomach ache, fatigue, fever and weight loss may be seen.
Vaping affects your oral health
Vaping has recently been linked to several oral diseases
such as gingivitis, periodontal diseases, tooth decay and oral thrush.
This is because the vapor that is produced through the e-cigarette encourages bacterial breeding in the gums. This can lead to bad breath, toothache and even loss of teeth. In addition, propylene glycol is one of the ingredients in the vaporizing liquid. This chemical is responsible for drying your mouth and softening the enamel of your teeth. Eventually, these adverse changes may even progress to oral cancer.
With all of the above in mind, the best choice seems to be to avoid vaping. Don’t you agree?
