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Vaping has become increasingly popular over the last few years, particularly among young adults. While many argue that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking, the reality is that vaping can be just as harmful, if not more so. One of the most alarming risks associated with vaping is the development of respiratory issues, including asthma, a chronic lung condition caused by inflammation and muscle tightening in the airways.

Vaping involves inhaling an aerosol vapor, typically containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. While these chemicals are considered to be safer than the carcinogens found in cigarettes, the fact remains that they can still cause damage to the lungs. The chemicals in vaping products can cause inflammation, irritation, and damage to the lungs that can lead to asthma and other respiratory issues.

Studies have shown that young adults who vape are at a heightened risk of developing asthma. A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that young adults who vaped were twice as likely to develop asthma compared to non-smokers. Similarly, another study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that e-cigarette use was associated with a higher risk of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among young adults.

Most recently, researchers from Texas A&M School of Public Health conducted a study that suggests vaping increases the risk of asthma for young adults who have never used conventional tobacco products. The research team utilized information collected between 2015 and 2019, including data on over 3,000 adolescents in Texas and more than 32,000 adolescents across the United States for comparison.

Through the survey, respondents were asked about their e-cigarette use, including frequency, as well as whether they had ever been diagnosed with asthma by a healthcare professional. Additional information collected included respondent demographics, body mass index, presence of depression symptoms, and usage of other substances.

The findings highlighted a significant association between e-cigarette use and asthma in adolescents who had never smoked conventional tobacco products. This indicates that vaping independently increases the risk of asthma in adolescents, separate from the use of traditional tobacco products. It’s important that young patients speak to a healthcare professional before vaping.

Citations:
[1] Mental Health and the Association between Asthma and E-cigarette Use among Young Adults in The United States: A Mediation Analysis. National Library of Medicine website. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7731218/. Accessed September 27, 2023.
[2] Vaping in Asthmatic Adolescents: Time to Deal with the Elephant in the Room. National Library of Medicine website. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8947668/. Accessed September 27, 2023.
[3] Researchers Find Association Between Vaping And Asthma Among US Adolescents. Texas A&M Today website. https://today.tamu.edu/2023/09/18/researchers-find-association-between-vaping-and-asthma-among-us-adolescents/. Accessed September 27, 2023.
[4] Association Between E-Cigarettes and Asthma in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. AJPM website. https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(22)00098-8/fulltext. Accessed September 27, 2023.
[5] Vaping, e-Cigarettes Linked to Asthma Risk Among US Teenagers. AJMC website. https://www.ajmc.com/view/vaping-e-cigarettes-linked-to-asthma-risk-among-us-teenagers. Accessed September 27, 2023.
[6] Association Between E-Cigarettes and Asthma in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.  AJPM website. https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(22)00098-8/pdf. Accessed September 27, 2023.
[7] Association of Electronic Cigarette Use With Incident Respiratory Conditions Among US Adults From 2013 to 2018. National Library of Medicine website. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33180127/. Accessed September 27, 2023.