Vaping may seem trendy, but for teens, especially those with asthma or other respiratory conditions, it poses serious risks to lung health. At Pulse Air Heart and Lung Centre, we believe in empowering youth with facts so they can make informed choices.
Here’s what every teen should know about vaping, and why it’s not as harmless as it seems.
What Is Vaping?
Vaping involves inhaling aerosol from an e-cigarette or similar device. This aerosol often contains:
- Nicotine – highly addictive chemical.
- Flavourings – some contain diacetyl, linked to lung disease
- Heavy metals – like nickel, tin, and lead
- Volatile organic compounds – harmful chemicals found in car exhaust
Even if it smells like bubblegum or mango, it’s far from safe.
How Vaping Affects Teen Lungs
Your lungs are still developing even well into your twenties. Vaping can interfere with that development and cause:
- Chronic coughing and wheezing
- Increased asthma attacks
- Reduced lung function
- Higher risk of infections and inflammation
Teens with asthma are especially vulnerable. Vaping can trigger severe flare-ups and reduce medication effectiveness.
Vaping and Asthma: A Dangerous Mix
For teens with asthma or another respiratory condition, vaping can:
- Worsen symptoms and make flare-ups more frequent
- Increase risk of hospitalization due to respiratory distress
- Damage airways, making it harder to breathe even when you're not vaping
Even second-hand vape exposure can be harmful to people with asthma.
It’s Not Just Your Lungs
Nicotine doesn’t just affect your body; it affects your brain, too. For teens, it can:
- Disrupt brain development
- Increase anxiety and depression
- Make it harder to focus, learn, and control your impulses
Because nicotine is so addictive, quitting can be tough once you start, making matters even worse.
What You Can Do
If you’re vaping now, it’s not too late to stop. Here’s how to take control:
- Talk to someone you trust – a parent, teacher, or healthcare provider
- Learn the facts – check out resources like Canada.ca’s vaping awareness tools
- Get support – quitting is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone
Concerned About Your Lungs?
If you vape and have asthma, or just want to protect your lung health, we’re here to help. Book a confidential respiratory consultation with Pulse Air Heart and Lung Centre today.