Vaping has surged in popularity over the last decade, with many individuals using it as an alternative to traditional cigarette smoking.
But what does vaping actually do to the body? Is it safer than smoking, or does it carry its own set of risks?
Using anatomical insights and medical data, this article explores the effects of vaping on the respiratory system and beyond.
The Pathway of Inhaled Vapor
When an individual inhales vapor, it follows a specific pathway through the respiratory system. Air can enter through either the nasal cavity or the oral cavity, eventually passing into the pharynx (throat).
From there, it must take one of two routes: down the esophagus (food tube) or the trachea (windpipe).
Unlike the esophagus, which collapses when not in use, the trachea remains open, thanks to its cartilaginous rings, allowing continuous airflow into the lungs.
As vapor moves down the trachea, it branches into two bronchi, leading to each lung, which then further divide into bronchioles and eventually end in alveolar sacs.
These alveoli, only one cell thick, are crucial for gas exchange, making them highly vulnerable to damage from inhaled substances.
What Exactly Is Vaping?
Vaping originated with e-cigarettes, initially designed to mimic traditional cigarettes.
Over time, these devices have evolved into larger, rechargeable models containing a cartridge filled with liquid.
This liquid is vaporized using an atomizer, creating the aerosol that users inhale.
The question remains: is inhaling this vapor harmful? Studies have shown a rise in hospitalizations due to E-cigarette or Vaping product use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI), a condition that mimics pneumonia but lacks an infectious cause.
Symptoms and Health Risks of Vaping
Patients diagnosed with EVALI exhibit symptoms such as:
- Respiratory issues: Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and in some cases, hemoptysis (coughing up blood).
- Systemic symptoms: Fever, chills, and general malaise.
- Gastrointestinal distress: Up to 80% of patients report nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
The Role of Vaping Ingredients in Lung Damage
One of the major challenges in assessing vaping’s risks is the lack of regulation in the industry.
Different manufacturers use different ingredients, but some of the most commonly detected substances include:
- Nicotine – Addictive and known to affect cardiovascular health.
- Propylene Glycol & Glycerol – Humectants used to create vapor.
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) & Cannabidiol (CBD) – Found in cannabis-related vaping products.
- Vitamin E Acetate – A thickening agent strongly linked to EVALI.
- Heavy Metals – Traces of tin, nickel, chromium, manganese, and arsenic have been found in some vaping liquids.
Scientific Investigation: What Did They Find?
Doctors treating EVALI patients initially suspected pneumonia due to findings on chest X-rays and CT scans.
However, when cultures showed no bacterial or viral cause, researchers turned to bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). This procedure involves flushing lung tissue with saline, then retrieving the fluid for analysis.
Findings revealed high concentrations of Vitamin E Acetate and THC in many EVALI cases, prompting the CDC to recommend avoiding products containing these substances.
Recovery and Treatment for EVALI
Most patients diagnosed with EVALI require hospitalization and treatment that may include:
- Antibiotics (initially administered but later stopped if no infection is found).
- Corticosteroids to reduce lung inflammation.
- Oxygen therapy, varying in intensity based on the severity of lung impairment.
Prognosis
According to CDC data up until February 2020:
- 2,807 individuals were hospitalized for EVALI.
- 68 deaths were recorded, resulting in a mortality rate of 2.4% among hospitalized cases.
- Most patients experience symptom improvement within two to four weeks.
How Does Vaping Compare to Cigarette Smoking?
While vaping is often considered less harmful than traditional cigarette smoking, it is not without risks.
The medical consensus suggests that if given the choice between smoking or vaping, vaping is the lesser of two evils.
However, vaping should not be viewed as risk-free, especially considering its potential long-term effects remain unknown.
The CDC explicitly advises against dual use, as continuing to smoke while vaping can exacerbate lung damage rather than reduce harm.
Should You Vape If You’ve Never Smoked?
For individuals who have never smoked, the best choice is to avoid vaping altogether.
The increased use of vaping among teenagers and young adults is particularly concerning, as studies suggest that vaping may act as a gateway to traditional cigarette use.
Protecting Your Lungs
The human lungs are vital, irreplaceable organs responsible for oxygen exchange. The best way to protect them is to avoid inhaling any foreign substances, including unregulated vaping products.
If an individual chooses to vape, it is crucial to avoid products containing Vitamin E Acetate and THC, and to obtain these substances only through regulated and legal sources.
While vaping may be less harmful than smoking, it still carries risks. As more research emerges, it will become clearer whether the short-term and long-term effects of vaping warrant greater concern.
For those looking to learn more about the science behind vaping and human health, a solid foundation in anatomy, chemistry, and physics is essential.
Understanding the intricate mechanics of the body can help individuals make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
