Vaping Lung Disease: Our Greatest Danger
We all have experiences that make us feel good. It could be baking or going on long walks. Others might prefer an adrenaline rush like skiing down steep mountains or dirt bike racing. Unfortunately, some choose to take the dark road of feeling good like smoking cigarettes or trying drugs. Lately, a new trend that’s been extremely popular with all age groups is vaping. From afar, vaping looks like a great option compared to smoking. However, repeated vaping can lead to serious consequences, including vaping lung disease.
What is Vaping?
Vaping is the act of inhaling aerosol, often referred to as water vapour. Vaping can be done through purchasing an e-cigarette or other devices like the JUUL. At first, vapes were introduced as a way to quit smoking. Markets advertised it as a safe water vapour with a wide range of flavours to choose from. This was a great way to transition from cigarettes for highly addicted smokers and was considered a safer option. However, research has proved this wrong. While vaping may have less chemicals than a tobacco cigarette, it’s still extremely harmful to your heart and lungs.
Furthermore, vaping is just as addictive in smoking. The vaping industry takes pride in the fact that their vapes contain less nicotine than a cigarette. But if someone wants a nicotine buzz, they’ll smoke more of the vape to reach the desired amount of nicotine. This trend is also very problematic for youth. The variety of tasty flavours draws younger crowds to this device as well, leading to more addictions. People who would’ve never taken up this habit otherwise, are now engaging in vaping.
Vaping Side Effects
The evidence on the dangers of vaping is growing. Firstly, nicotine is still an ingredient. Due to the fact it’s a highly addictive substance, this can lead to extreme dependence. Exposure to nicotine can affect your memory and concentration. It’s also known to alter teenage brain development. Alteration of the brain at a young age can lead to reduced impulse control and behavioural problems. Looking into ingredients, vaping substances contain vegetable glycerine and propylene glycol. While these products are used in things like cosmetics and sweeteners, the safety of inhaling these products is still unknown. Lastly, vapes may not have any tobacco in them but they have a high number of other chemicals. These are linked to an increased risk in cancer.
Vaping Lung Disease
As previously mentioned, vapes contain glycerine and propylene. What’s important to note is that these products being inhaled are oil based. Our lungs are not made to handle oil particles. Thus, the lungs cannot be cleansed due to oil accumulation. When your respiratory system isn’t cleaned properly, your airways become clogged and inflamed. The lungs alveoli become covered in oil base substance and prevent the oxygen exchange. You’ll be at risk for more lung illnesses such as pneumonia, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder) and bronchitis. Those who vape are at a risk of becoming a victim of vaping lung disease.
Vaping illness starts out with treatable symptoms like a fever or a cough. It can quickly fall downhill from there. Other symptoms include becoming extremely short of breath and possible lung failure. Some may even need help to breathe with a ventilator during recovery.
Vaping Illness and Salt Therapy
A treatment that can help with the severe side effects of vaping is salt therapy. Salt therapy is a natural and non-invasive treatment designed to target the respiratory system. It involves inhaling salt particles invisible to the eye. Salt helps to clear the airways and absorbs irritants and toxins. Your airways will be less irritable and clearer. Clear airways significantly improve lung function because more oxygen is able to enter.
Salt therapy is also extremely beneficial because salt has anti inflammatory properties. Thus, it reduces swelling. Breathing will become easier and lung capacity will continuously increase. A common problem is that people like to smoke or vape when they’re stressed. Salt therapy can help with that too! Salt contains negative ions, which are known as natural anti-depressants. Negative ions are found in nature settings like a beach or waterfall. They encourage the body to relax, giving you that lightweight feeling you normally feel on vacation. It’s important to note salt therapy can relieve the effects of vaping, but won’t completely heal damaged lungs. The best choice you can make for your lungs is to quit vaping and work towards a healthier lifestyle.
There’s no shame in admitting you need help to get off a bad habit. Find better experiences for yourself and consider purchasing a salt machine. Salt therapy can be done in your home, giving you the privacy and comfort of not having to leave. Let a little change give your life a big impact. Try salt therapy today!