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What began as a “safer” alternative to smoking has evolved into one of the most worrisome addictions among today’s adolescents. Vaping products, which come in shiny, colourful packaging and are loaded with candy-like flavours, may appear innocuous, but beware! From a medical standpoint, vaping, although considered a ‘safer’ fad; remains a serious public health risk, particularly in countries, such as India, where tobacco-related disorders are already prevalent.
Understanding What Vaping Really Means
Vaping is the process of inhaling aerosol, also known as vapour, that is formed by heating a liquid in a small battery-powered device. This liquid usually contains nicotine, flavourings, and a variety of additional substances. Many consumers, particularly teenagers, assume that because vaping does not entail burning tobacco, it must be safe. However, the truth is quite contrary
What the user is breathing isn’t just harmless water vapour. It is a cloud of ultrafine particles, hazardous compounds, and heavy metals, such as nickel, tin, and lead. These compounds can enter deep into the lungs and bloodstream, producing both short-term irritation and long-term damage.
What Happens to the Body When You Indulge in Vaping?
- Lung irritation and damage.
Even short-term vaping can induce coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Some users develop “vape-related lung injury,” which can mimic a serious chest illness, or pneumonia. In medical practice, we see irritated airways, reduced oxygen intake, and, in some cases, fluid buildup in the lungs. This is especially dangerous for young lungs that are still expanding and maturing.
- Effects on Brain Development
The adolescent brain is extremely vulnerable. Nicotine use during this period can alter brain chemistry, affecting areas involved in attention, learning, and emotional regulation. Repeated nicotine exposure may also raise vulnerability to other addictive behaviours, later in life.
- Cardiovascular strain.
Nicotine is a stimulant that raises the heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, this can put a strain on the heart and blood vessels. We’re detecting early evidence of endothelial dysfunction (damage to the blood vessel lining) in younger patients who vape frequently, which could be a prelude to long-term cardiovascular disease.
- Mouth and Throat Health
People forget that the vapour passes via the mouth and throat first. Dry mouth, gum irritation, and mouth sores are becoming increasingly common among regular vapers. Flavouring compounds, particularly those found in fruit and mint tastes, can be harmful to delicate mucosal tissues.
- Reduced Immunity and Delayed Healing
Several chemicals found in vaping liquids reduce immunological function in the respiratory system. This makes vapers more susceptible to infections, including the flu, bronchitis, and COVID-19. It can also impede the healing process after illnesses or surgeries, by reducing oxygen flow and increasing inflammation.
The Psychology Trap
Vaping is frequently marketed as a stress reliever or relaxation technique. However, nicotine is classified medically as a stimulant, rather than a relaxing agent. What users mistake for stress reduction is, in fact, transitory withdrawal respite. The loop of wanting, vaping, and short-term satisfaction increases baseline anxiety, over time. In adolescents, this can impact academic achievement, sleep quality, and overall mental health.
Vaping Culture among Indian Youth
Peer pressure, social media impact, and curiosity are key motivators. Since vaping is promoted as ‘harmless’, teenagers take to it without any concern.
Non-smoking youngsters are getting exposed to nicotine via vapes rather than cigarettes. And once the addiction sets in, switching to heavier nicotine sources, such as regular cigarettes, becomes easier. It’s a doorway, not an exit point.
What Should Parents and Schools do?
Awareness is crucial. Don’t wait for cues, such as coughing or behavioural changes, to start the conversation. If you’re a parent, ask your kids what they know about vaping—not to lecture them, but to figure out where their information comes from.
Schools should also play an active role. Just as tobacco awareness campaigns became part of health education, it is time to confront vaping directly. Workshops, therapy sessions, and frank talks can help reduce uptake.
Vaping isn’t just a fleeting habit—it’s a gateway to serious, long-term health damage. From inflamed lungs and heart strain, to impaired brain development and rising anxiety levels, the risks are real and far-reaching. What makes it more dangerous is how easily it slips under the radar, especially among youth. As parents, educators, and healthcare professionals, we must act swiftly. Talk openly, stay informed, and seek medical guidance at the first signs of use. The earlier we intervene, the better our chances of protecting this generation from a preventable epidemic.
By Dr Abhishek Kumar- Consultant Paediatric Oncology, HCG Abdur Razzaque Ansari Cancer Hospital,
