Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, are gadgets that emit a mist that is breathed rather than smoked. It emits a vapourised solution that gives out the aroma of a traditional cigarette. Hence, the name "vaping" is given to it. It is necessary to frequently replace the fluid inside it, which has a fruity odour. Regular cigarettes, pens, USB drives, pipes, and cigars are common designs of e-cigarettes, which are used instead of conventional ones because they do not produce real smoke. People addicted to smoking and wishing to reduce their smoking or stop altogether prefer e-cigarettes. Teenagers and young adults who are not yet of legal smoking age also enjoy it very much. However, several studies have shown that vaping often results in several health problems, including stroke. Even though a health insurance plan covers the ailment resulting from e-cigarettes, it is advised you quit using them or limit their use. The reason for such an advisory is prevention is better than cure.
The Risk of Stroke with E-Cigarettes
Recent studies indicate that using electronic cigarettes often results in stroke compared to regular cigarettes. About 15% of young, aged people are at the risk of suffering a stroke because of their overuse of e-cigarettes.
For the uninitiated, a stroke is a potentially fatal condition where the brain’s blood supply is cut off or disrupted and the brain stops functioning normally. A history of high blood pressure, a heart attack, or high cholesterol makes using e-cigarettes more dangerous. There is massive nicotine in it along with some flavours and compounds. This is the main reason associated with the risk of stroke.
The amount of nicotine in e-cigarettes varies from one manufacturer to the next. Around 20 regular cigarettes' proportion of nicotine can roughly be found in one refill of the vaporising fluid. Thus, the effect of these on health is worse than those of a regular cigarette.
Atherosclerosis may develop due to numerous chemicals in the vaporizing solution of e-cigarettes. It can also harm the blood vessel lining. Blood vessels may suffer injuries as a result of it. This could reduce their durability and increase the risk of clot formation. As a result, using e-cigarettes increases the risk of both ischemic and haemorrhagic stroke for its users.
Harmful Chemicals in E-Cigarettes
The aerosol that comes out of an e-cigarette is not water vapour, and despite the phrase "vapour" sounding harmless, it can be dangerous. Nicotine and other addictive compounds that can lead to cancer, heart disease and lung illness can be found in the aerosol produced by an e-cigarette.
It is critical to be aware that most e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Teenagers’ developing brains are shown to be harmed by smoking. Nicotine usage while being pregnant has been linked to low birth weight and premature deliveries.
Propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine are commonly found in e-cigarettes and e-cigarette vapour in addition to nicotine. After concentrated exposure, these chemicals, which are employed to create a stage or theatrical fog, have been reported to aggravate the lungs and airways.
The compounds or chemicals listed below may also be present in e-cigarettes and e-cigarette vapour.
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): At certain concentrations, VOCs can irritate eyes, nose and throat, cause headaches and nausea, and harm the liver, kidneys and nervous system.
- Chemicals used to flavour foods: Some flavours are more poisonous than others. According to studies, various flavours include varying concentrations of the chemical diacetyl, which has been associated with the dangerous lung condition - bronchiolitis obliterans.
- Formaldehyde: If the e-liquid overheats or not enough liquid reaches the heating element (a "dry-puff"), formaldehyde, a carcinogen, may develop.
Addiction of E-Cigarettes
The human brain is still developing up until around 25 years of age. Stronger connections, or synapses, are formed between brain cells each time a new memory or ability is gained. The brains of children develop synapses more quickly than those of adults. Adolescents are more susceptible to being hooked than adults since addiction is a type of learning. The nicotine in tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, can also prepare the teen brain for cocaine addiction.
During adolescence, the area of the brain that regulates decisions and impulses is still not fully matured. The use of nicotine and other substances, as well as other threats to their health and safety, are more common among young people who are particularly vulnerable to the long-term, long-lasting effects of nicotine exposure on their growing brains. These dangers include nicotine dependence, mental health issues, and a lifelong loss of impulse control. Additionally, nicotine alters the way synapses are created, which can affect the regions of the brain that regulate learning and attention.
Difference Between E-Cigarettes and Traditional Cigarettes
There are a few differences between both types of cigarettes, which can impact one’s health differently. Some differences between them are as follows: -
| Relative Questions | Traditional Cigarettes | E-cigarettes |
| Contain nicotine | Yes | Yes |
| Addictive | Yes | Yes |
| Tar | Yes | No |
| Carbon monoxide content | Yes | No |
| Lingering odour | Yes | No |
| Health risks | Addiction, cancer, early death, hypertension, etc. | Relatively low |
| Second-hand risk | Cancer, respiratory infection, asthma | Unknown |
| Birth defects | Causes low weight birth, premature birth, foetal abnormalities | Unknown |
Some Facts About E-Cigarettes
To help you transition from smoking conventional cigarettes to quitting altogether, you might be tempted to use electronic cigarettes. The best way to stop smoking, however, is not with e-cigarettes. Insightful information regarding e-cigarettes is provided here:
- While less dangerous than smoking, vaping is still not secure. Your health and body are both equally at risk.
- As vaping contains nicotine, research indicates it harms your heart and lungs. It causes a jump in your adrenaline and blood pressure, which accelerates the heartbeat and boosts the risk of a heart attack.
- Both conventional and electronic cigarettes have the same addictive qualities.
- According to a recent study, the majority of persons who expected to use electronic cigarettes to break their nicotine addiction instead kept using both traditional and electronic cigarettes.
- Nicotine addiction is spreading to a younger age. They could prefer it over traditional cigarettes because they think it is less hazardous and more appealing.
Conclusion
Smoking gradually shortens your lifespan by a total of at least 10 years. The level of nicotine in e-cigarettes is increasing the risk of stroke at a younger age even though they were once thought to be a fantastic alternative to stop smoking. E-cigarette use should be avoided for the same reasons as regular cigarette use.
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