How does vaping affect your lungs
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The Impact of Vaping on Lung Health
Introduction to Vaping and Lung Health
Vaping, the act of inhaling aerosol produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device, has become increasingly popular, especially among young adults and teens. Despite being marketed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, emerging research indicates that vaping can have significant adverse effects on lung health.
Acute Lung Inflammation and Gas Exchange Disturbances
Studies have shown that vaping can induce acute lung inflammation and impair gas exchange. When propylene glycol and glycerol, common components of e-liquids, are heated, they produce aerosols that can deposit deep within the lungs. This deposition can trigger local inflammation and disturb pulmonary gas exchanges. For instance, high-wattage vaping, with or without nicotine, has been found to increase lung inflammation biomarkers and decrease transcutaneous oxygen tension in young tobacco smokers1. This suggests that even short-term vaping can lead to airway epithelial injury and sustained reductions in oxygen levels.
Vaping-Related Acute Lung Injury (EVALI)
The outbreak of E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) has highlighted the severe risks associated with vaping. EVALI has been implicated in thousands of cases and numerous deaths. Patients typically present with symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, and gastrointestinal issues. Radiological and histopathological examinations reveal nonspecific acute injury patterns, and treatment often involves supportive care and corticosteroids2 5. The exact cause of EVALI remains unclear, but substances like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Vitamin E acetate have been frequently identified in affected individuals2.
Chronic Vaping and Respiratory Function
Chronic vaping has been associated with detrimental effects on respiratory function. Research comparing vapers, smokers, and non-smokers found that both smokers and vapers exhibited lower forced expiratory volume and peak expiratory flow compared to non-smokers. This indicates that vaping may not be a healthier alternative to smoking, as it similarly impairs lung function4. Additionally, chronic exposure to e-cigarette aerosols has been shown to alter the immune state of the lungs, increasing susceptibility to infections and inflammatory disorders6.
Proteomic Changes in Lung Tissue
Chronic vaping can also lead to significant changes in the lung proteome. Studies involving bronchial biopsies from vapers have identified numerous differentially expressed proteins, some of which are uniquely altered in vapers. For example, proteins like CYP1B1 and MUC5AC were found to be elevated, suggesting that the base components of e-liquids, such as propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, may contribute to these changes. These alterations are likely not harmless and may have implications for the development of chronic lung diseases7.
Differential Effects of Vaping Substances
The health effects of vaping can vary depending on the substances being vaped. For instance, inhalation of cannabidiol (CBD) aerosols has been shown to induce more severe lung damage and higher oxidative stress compared to nicotine aerosols. This suggests that different vaping substances can have varying levels of toxicity and inflammatory potential9.
Conclusion
The growing body of research indicates that vaping is not without significant risks to lung health. Acute and chronic exposure to e-cigarette aerosols can lead to inflammation, impaired gas exchange, reduced lung function, and increased susceptibility to infections and inflammatory disorders. The outbreak of EVALI further underscores the potential for severe lung injury associated with vaping. As such, it is crucial for public health policies to address these risks and for individuals to be aware of the potential dangers of vaping.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Fourth generation e-cigarette vaping induces transient lung inflammation and gas exchange disturbances: results from two randomized clinical trials
High-wattage electronic cigarette vaping with or without nicotine can cause airway epithelial injury and decrease transcutaneous oxygen tension in young tobacco smokers, and temporarily impair arterial oxygen tension in heavy smokers.
RCT
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedVaping-related Acute Parenchymal Lung Injury: A Systematic Review.
Vaping-related acute lung injury is a nonspecific, non-fatal condition with symptoms like cough, dyspnea, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Literature ReviewImpact of vaping on respiratory health
Vaping is not without risk, and further investigation is needed to establish clear public policy guidance and regulation.
Literature ReviewRigorous JournalImpact of vaping and smoking on maximum respiratory pressures and respiratory function
Vaping and smoking both negatively impact lung function, suggesting they may not be a healthier alternative to smoking.
Observational StudyElectronic cigarettes and vaping associated pulmonary illness (VAPI): A narrative review.
Vaping associated pulmonary illness (VAPI) can rapidly progress and require invasive respiratory support, highlighting the need for more research on its etiology, treatment, and prevention.
Systematic ReviewChronic E-Cigarette Aerosol Inhalation Alters the Immune State of the Lungs and Increases ACE2 Expression, Raising Concern for Altered Response and Susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2
Chronic e-cigarette aerosol inhalation alters lung inflammation and immune response, potentially increasing susceptibility to infections and inflammatory disorders.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyChronic E‐Cigarette Exposure Alters the Human Bronchial Epithelial Proteome
Chronic vaping significantly alters the human bronchial epithelial proteome, potentially leading to the development of chronic lung disease.
In Vitro StudyHighly CitedInhalation Toxicology of Vaping Products and Implications for Pulmonary Health
E-cigarettes may not be harmless and may cause cellular alterations similar to traditional tobacco smoke, with potential adverse respiratory outcomes and EVALI outbreaks.
Highly CitedNot all vaping is the same: differential pulmonary effects of vaping cannabidiol versus nicotine
Vaping CBD induces a more potent inflammatory response and leads to more lung injury compared to nicotine vaping.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyLung Biopsy Findings in Severe Pulmonary Illness Associated With E-Cigarette Use (Vaping).
Vaping can cause severe lung damage, as evidenced by acute lung injury patterns in lung biopsies from patients with acute pulmonary illness related to e-cigarette use.
Case ReportHighly Cited