The Stages of Vaping and its Effects on Your Body, as seen in The Mirror

Originally meant to help people quit smoking, vaping has become popularised due to its range of flavours and eye-catching packaging. However, it is not entirely safe. Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, Dr Kaywaan Khan has shared his expertise on the different stages of vaping and how it affects the body. 

Immediate Effects: 

The body absorbs nicotine quickly, leading to an increased heart rate and blood pressure. This nicotine rush stimulates the release of dopamine, creating a feeling of pleasure. Depending on the nicotine level in the e-liquid, vapers may experience a sense of relaxation or alertness. 

Vaping will likely cause immediate irritation to the throat and lung lining as soon as you inhale, which may cause side effects such as coughing or dry mouth. If you’re new to vaping, you may experience a shortness of breath too.  

10 to 30 minutes later:  

The initial stimulant effects persist, with possible feelings of jitteriness or anxiety, especially in those sensitive to nicotine.  

After 1 Hour: 

As the nicotine begins to wear off, one might start craving more, potentially leading to irritability or a desire for another vaping session due to the onset of withdrawal symptoms. 

A few days later: 

There is an elevated risk of developing e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury, known as EVALI. EVALI can manifest as respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, headache, dizziness, rapid heartrate, and chest pain.  

Vaping is also associated with oral health concerns that may emerge in the days following use. Users may continue to experience dry mouth, bad breath, and an increased risk of gum disease.  

Long-term effects: 

While the long-term effects of vaping are still being studied, there is evidence suggesting potential health risks associated with chronic use. It’s important to note that the extent of these risks may vary, and more research is needed for a better understanding. 

Prolonged exposure to the aerosolised particles from vaping products may contribute to chronic lung damage and respiratory issues. Although the risks might be lower compared to traditional smoking due to the absence of combustion, long-term vaping could lead to reduced lung function over time, resulting in symptoms such as shortness of breath. This could potentially limit an individual’s ability to engage in physical activities and exercise.  

Over time, the brain adjusts to nicotine, which may potentially cause mood disorders and attention-related issues, irrespective of its presence. 

Long-term vaping can lead to nicotine dependence. It also poses risks to skin health, including dehydration and irritation. This is partly due to ingredients like propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin found in e-liquids. Nicotine itself may compromise skin health by impairing wound healing and contributing to premature skin ageing, as it reduces blood flow and nutrient delivery to the skin.  

Over time, barcode lip lines are likely to appear as a result of vaping. Barcode lips refer to the vertical fine lines or wrinkles that appear on or around the lips. Typically, they are most noticeable on the upper lip between the smile lines, which go from the nostrils to the corners of the lips. These expression lines start to become apparent at the age of 40, when the skin begins to lose its natural elasticity and firmness, but repetitive pursing of the lips from vaping can cause this accelerated skin ageing. For barcode lips, I would recommend our skin booster treatment at Hannah London Clinic to treat fine lines, wrinkles, dull skin, and dehydration without the need for fillers or botox. The Skin Booster injection is a cocktail of hyaluronic acid, peptides, polycaprolactone acid and vitamins to nourish the skin cells and boost collagen production for healthy looking skin.  

Read the full article in The Mirror here: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/health/exactly-what-happens-your-body-32161693