First introduced to the market as a device to help smokers quit, recent data has shown that vaping is more harmful than cigarettes.
A more controversial, but scientifically backed trend, is the initiation of nicotine use through electronic cigarettes by adolescents and young adults. Individuals who start using nicotine with e-cigarettes tend to go on to combustible forms of tobacco, which increases their risk for diseases including lung cancer. Thus, as a cessation tool, e-cigarettes overall have so far proved to be ineffective
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kentucky has the second highest prevalence of vaping in the U.S. with 6.1%. Also, 17% of the 10th graders and 24% of the 12th graders in Kentucky reported the use of e-cigarettes or vaping.
Risks of using e-cigarettes include:
- Nicotine exposure with resultant adverse cardiovascular effects
- EVALI: Vaping associated lung injury from the aerosol
- Pulmonary infection
- Burn from device
- Nausea, vomiting, lethargy and rapid heart rate
- Respiratory symptoms with shortness of breath, cough and wheezing
This is important to take into consideration for your family’s overall health, especially if you’re at risk for lung cancer, which Kentucky has the highest death rate in the nation.
Treatment of possible complications includes cessation of use of e-cigarettes and in some cases of EVALI, a steroid may be needed.
UofL Physicians – Pulmonology Associates, located at UofL Health – Chestnut Street Outpatient Center, provides screening and treatment of vaping-induced lung injury and respiratory symptoms.
Did you know lung cancer screening criteria have recently changed? More patients are now eligible for lung cancer screening. Visit UofLHealth.org or call 502-210-4497 for more information.
