Vaping is a relatively new form of smoking nicotine. There are many arguments about whether this new smoking method is safer and healthier than smoking cigarettes, more harmful, or equally dangerous. There are still many studies being done to answer this question; however, our current knowledge on the subject suggests there are some positive and negative aspects to be aware of regarding e-cigarettes.
What Are E-cigarettes?
E-cigarettes, also known as electronic cigarettes, are battery-powered heating tools used as an alternate way to smoke nicotine. The act of smoking through e-cigarettes is often referred to as “vaping.” There are a variety of forms of e-cigarettes today. They can come as disposables, larger tanks and mods, and rechargeable devices. Due to the convenience of the devices, vaping has become a popular method of smoking.
Is Vaping Healthier Than Cigarettes?
Cigarettes have been shown to have drastic adverse effects on the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and musculoskeletal system, potentially causing life-long effects. Due to the fruity, flavorful options of vapes, the act of smoking the substances seems on first instinct to be less damaging and more desirable. However, this impulse can be deceptive for a number of reasons.
Respiratory System
Within the respiratory system, the effects of vaping compared to cigarette smoking have not fully been discovered. Smoking cigarettes has been shown to irritate bronchial tubes due to the substance being inhaled. In vaping, the peripheral airway resistance is greatly increased after inhalation. This can lead to respiratory problems similar to those caused by cigarette smoking.
The respiratory system seems to be the most affected by vaping and cigarette smoking. The act of inhaling the different chemicals in both cigarettes and vapes harms the functioning of the lungs, which the body relies on to deliver oxygen properly to every organ. That is why damage to the respiratory system impacts the whole body.
Cardiovascular System
The cardiovascular system, in particular, is also greatly affected, as demonstrated by the diminished exercise capacity of an individual after cigarette smoking. E-cigarettes are shown to increase the risk of heart disease, cardiovascular inflammation, and oxygenation of the body. While their risks have not yet been fully compared, vaping and cigarettes seem to have very similar risks to the cardiovascular system.
The primary short-term risk shown for the use of vapes is a decrease in physical ability. While this may not have drastic short-term effects, it can lead to cardiovascular issues down the road that may be irreversible.
Musculoskeletal System
The musculoskeletal system makes up a majority of our body and is essential for proper functioning. Cigarette smoking has been shown to lead to a variety of musculoskeletal disorders. The effects of cigarettes on this system range from damage to dental health to impaired spinal health. The ability for your bones and muscles to function properly is vital for the ability to engage in many activities. The damage smoking tobacco can cause to the musculoskeletal system, however, is often overlooked.
Unfortunately, there have not been many studies regarding the effects of vaping on the musculoskeletal system. Many of these effects were not discovered until years after smoking tobacco became popular. Due to this long delay in research, it is difficult to determine if vaping has the same effects on the musculoskeletal system. Considering that the decrease of oxygen plays a role in some of these problems leads to the hypothesis that vaping can be just as harmful; however, there is no current evidence proving this statement.
Alternative Smoking Method
While reviewing the risks of smoking cigarettes and vaping, many individuals wonder if vaping is a useful alternative method. Studies are still unclear on vaping because we do not have a significant timeframe to research, so the answer to this question is not fully known. If you are unable to quit the use of nicotine, switching from cigarettes to vaping may be a step in the right direction.
Vaping can be good for individuals looking to quit; however, it should only be used as a stepping stone to abstinence. With vaping, you can reduce the amount of nicotine and even smoke with no nicotine, which can ease the withdrawal process. It is crucial to work toward stopping smoking altogether because even nicotine-free vape products appear to have negative risk factors.
For individuals who do not currently struggle with a nicotine addiction or are just beginning to smoke, the use of vapes is highly unrecommended. While the damages may be potentially less than the damages of traditional cigarettes, there are still many adverse side effects and the possibility of addiction. Refraining from using nicotine altogether is a much better option than vaping.
The effects of cigarette smoking and vaping are difficuly to differentiate due to a lack of research on vaping. Due to its recent discovery and popularity, there is no long-term research on vaping yet. With the current data, however, vaping does still appear to have negative effects on the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and musculoskeletal system. Cigarette smoking takes a significant toll on these body systems and can create a variety of health problems down the road. The potential risks discovered with vaping are smaller than those of traditional smoking; however, there is still research in progress. Using electronic cigarettes as you quit traditional cigarettes can be a useful stepping stone, but vapes should not be used as a long-term replacement. To learn more about the effects of vaping and if it is a healthy alternative, reach out to Dream Recovery at (949) 732-1960.