It might seem harmless — no smoke, no smell — but vaping can cause serious damage, especially to young lungs.
Even more troubling, its addictive nature and sweet flavors are pulling in users who might never have touched a cigarette.
Vaping devices, including e-cigarettes, deliver concentrated nicotine and chemicals directly to the lungs. Katherine Templeton, NP, with Our Lady of the Lake Health, shares about the dangers in a recent Medical Monday with Brian Haldane.
Vaping has surged in popularity in recent years — especially among young adults and teens — but despite its image as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, the risks are real and growing. Whether you’re a parent concerned about a teenager or someone looking to quit nicotine altogether, it’s important to understand what’s really inside that vape cloud.
“Many people think vaping is harmless, but that’s just not true,” Templeton says. “It still contains nicotine — sometimes more than cigarettes — along with other chemicals that can do serious damage to the lungs.”
What Is Vaping, Exactly?
Vaping involves inhaling an aerosol created by heating a liquid (called e-liquid or vape juice) that usually contains nicotine, flavorings and other chemicals. These devices, also known as e-cigarettes, vape pens or mods, come in many forms, some of which resemble everyday items like USB drives or pens.
“One of the biggest concerns is that these products are designed to appeal to teens,” Templeton says. “The flavors are sweet, the packaging is trendy and the devices are easy to hide. But the nicotine is still there, and that’s what gets people hooked.”
How Vaping Affects Your Health
Nicotine is highly addictive, and for teens, it can be especially harmful.
“When nicotine use starts in adolescence, it can impact brain development, attention span and impulse control,” Templeton explains. “We’re seeing a rise in addiction among young users who never would’ve picked up a cigarette.”
And the harm isn’t just from nicotine. The aerosol in vape products contains other harmful substances — including formaldehyde, acrolein and heavy metals like lead and nickel. These chemicals can irritate the lungs and trigger asthma attacks.
“We’ve seen cases of severe lung injury linked to vaping,” Templeton says. “Even short-term use can cause coughing, shortness of breath and chest pain.”
Is Vaping Better Than Smoking?
Some adults turn to vaping in an attempt to quit smoking, but the results are mixed.
“It’s not the safe stepping stone it’s marketed to be,” Templeton says. “Many people end up vaping and smoking, and because vapes can deliver even higher doses of nicotine, quitting becomes harder, not easier.”
If you’re trying to quit, it’s important to choose an approach that addresses both the physical and behavioral sides of addiction. That’s where a structured program can make all the difference. Our Lady of the Lake’s Smoking Cessation Program can help you quit tobacco use, including smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco, as well as vaping for Louisiana residents. Mississippi residents can contact the Tobacco Quitline for help kicking the habit.
It’s Never Too Late to Quit
Breaking a nicotine habit isn’t easy, but with the right tools and support, it’s absolutely possible.
“You don’t have to do it alone,” Templeton says. “When people find the right approach, they’re often surprised at how much better they feel physically and emotionally.”
