Is your child “steaming”?
Smoking, the most widespread habit in the world, is unfortunately accompanied by a strong addiction to nicotine, which is absorbed by special receptors in the brain.
In recent years, the electronic cigarette has been widely used by adults with the excuse, or rather the illusion, that it would make it easier to quit smoking.
Its free availability in an ever-expanding market of electronic gadgets, particularly tempting for teenagers, led to its widespread use by them and essentially proved to be an excellent way to educate them about smoking.
Studies in the US have found that 1 in 5 high school students has been exposed to nicotine through this method.
How will you know if your child is “vaping”?
The electronic cigarette device, in order to be in the spirit of the times and tempting to young people, looks like a watch, a pen, a marker and even a USB for a computer. Do not expect to see the classic cigarette pack or to smell the smoke.
The presence of batteries, chargers, devices with liquid that smells of candy or fruit are suspicious items in the student’s bag or desk. Because the “vaporized” nicotine liquid dries the mucous membrane of the mouth, it forces them to have water constantly available and to drink with increasing frequency. Unexplained nosebleeds are another sign.
Similarly, frequent coughing and, in the form of a habit, frequent clearing of the voice, increased irritability and mood swings are additional signs.
It could be argued that there are fewer harmful compounds in the vaporized liquid compared to smoking, however, studies show that the aerosol created contains increased amounts of formaldehyde, which is particularly toxic to the lungs.
In the last year, an increased number of mainly young people with serious lung damage, and even deaths, from the development of a syndrome called EVALI (e-cigarette Vaping Acute Lung Injury) was described in the USA.
This syndrome was associated with the presence of vitamin E acetate not only in the aerosol created during “vaping” but also in the lung tissues. Vitamin E is added to the filling liquid of the “vaping” device, mainly where, in addition to nicotine, it also contains cannabis oil (cannabinoid oil) with psychotropic and addictive effects.
What are the symptoms in case of developing acute lung injury from “vaping”?
- Respiratory system: cough, shortness of breath, chest pain
- Digestive system: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea
- Non-specific symptoms: fever, chills, weight loss
Is there a correlation between “vaping” and COVID-19?
COVID-19 transmission between people who vape is easier because there is crowding, they do not actually wear a mask when “vaping”, they exchange “vaping” devices with each other. It is understood that the COVID-19 disease will have a more severe impact on already damaged lungs.
What should parents do when their child “vapes”?
Have an open discussion with him without being judgmental and aggressive towards him from the beginning. To mention with dignity the dangers that this habit holds. In particular, to emphasize the addictive effect that is exerted and in reality does not offer him a free but more dependent life.
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