The Rise of Vaping: What You Need to Know About the Risks

In recent years, vaping has become increasingly popular, especially among teens and young adults. Marketed as a “safer alternative” to smoking, e-cigarettes and vape pens are often flavored, easy to access, and widely promoted on social media. But behind the sleek devices and fruity flavors lies a growing public health concern.

Why Is Vaping on the Rise?

• Flavor appeal: Fruity, candy, and mint flavors make vaping feel less harsh than traditional cigarettes.

• Perception of safety: Many believe vaping is harmless compared to smoking.

• Accessibility: Vape pens are easy to carry, easy to hide, and often cheaper than cigarettes.

• Peer influence & marketing: Social media and celebrity endorsements play a big role in normalization.

Health Risks of Vaping

While vaping avoids some of the toxins in tobacco smoke, it is far from risk-free:

• Nicotine dependence: Most vape products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can impact brain development in teens and young adults.

• Lung injury: Vaping has been linked to EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use–associated lung injury), a serious condition that can cause coughing, chest pain, and even hospitalization.

• Cardiovascular strain: Nicotine raises heart rate and blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease over time.

• Respiratory problems: Vaping can worsen asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other lung conditions.

• Unknown long-term effects: Because vaping is relatively new, we don’t yet know all of the long-term consequences, but early studies show cause for concern.

What Parents & Patients Should Do

• Stay informed: Recognize that vaping is not a harmless habit.

• Talk openly: Encourage honest conversations with teens and young adults.

• Watch for signs: Frequent coughing, shortness of breath, or an unexplained new device could be red flags.

• Seek help early: Nicotine addiction is treatable. HANDS MD offers support for smoking and vaping cessation through counseling, medications, and wellness programs.

The Bottom Line

Vaping may seem like a modern alternative to smoking, but it carries real health risks. The best step you can take for your health—or your child’s health—is to quit.

At HANDS MD, we are committed to supporting our patients with practical, physician-led solutions for quitting vaping and reclaiming their health.