Vaping became popular a few years ago as companies such as Juul Labs started to target teens and young adults with flavored vaping products.
Dozens of ad campaigns were coming out claiming that this new way of “smoking” was healthier than cigarettes. But, is that really true?
Unfortunately, just like cigarette smoking, vaping comes with consequences. And, not only does it come with its own set of consequences, but vaping may also increase the risk of smoking, so it definitely isn’t a healthier or better alternative.
The Recent Outbreak of Illness & Death Related to Vaping
While vaping is nothing new, more people are talking about it now, and not for good reasons. There has been a recent outbreak of vaping related hospitalizations and even deaths related to e-cigarette smoking.
Some of the illnesses have led to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases, this recent outbreak has left healthy people in the hospital with lung disease.
Just this month, another person died of a death related to e-cigarette smoking, bringing the total number up to six. Vaping is nothing to play around with, and it doesn’t serve as a healthier alternative to smoking.
Vaping can lead to serious health repercussions, and many of the people who have recently been hospitalized due to illnesses related to e-cigarette smoking wound up with acute respiratory distress syndrome.
The absolute best thing you can do is to completely avoid vaping, and if you do vape, quit.
How to Quit Vaping
Find a Support Group: A support group can be a valuable tool, as quitting any addiction requires commitment and accountability. A support group can help you stay accountable. See if you can find a local support group in your area. This is also a time to lean on your family and friends. Tell them you are quitting, and ask for their support.
Get Enough Sleep: You may feel more fatigued than usual when you are quitting as your body goes through nicotine withdrawal. Get to bed early and get a solid nights sleep. Sleep is important for the body's healing process, and getting enough sleep will help with other symptoms of withdrawal such as grogginess, and irritability.
Stay on Top of Hydration: Nicotine withdrawal can cause headaches, sweating, and fatigue, so be sure to stay on top of your hydration to help ease symptoms. Keep a reusable water bottle with you at all times, and if you want some added flavor, add a splash of coconut water for both flavor and an added electrolyte boost.
Put Some Stress Reduction Plans Into Place: Before you quit, mentally prepare yourself by knowing that cravings will pop up. Have a plan for practicing some self-care when those vaping cravings come on. For you it could mean going for a brisk walk, doing a yoga practice, or just a five-minute guided meditation.
There’s No Better Time Than Now to Quit Vaping
So, make the commitment today to quit, or help a loved one who vapes start the processes of dropping this habit. With support and self-care, quitting is possible, and quitting is taking a huge step in protecting your health now and for the future.
If you need further support, book an appointment online to talk to a PlushCare doctor online
Read More About How to Quit Vaping
Sources
The Washington Post. What We Know About the Mystery Vaping-linked Illness & Deaths. Accessed September 12, 2019 at https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2019/09/07/what-we-know-about-mysterious-vaping-linked-illnesses-deaths/?noredirect=on
Smokefree.gov. Vaping Addiction and Nicotine Withdrawal. Accesses September 12, 2019 at https://teen.smokefree.gov/quit-vaping/vaping-addiction-nicotine-withdrawal
CNN. Seeking Relief From Nicotine Addiction, Some E-Cigarette Users Turn to Smoking. Accessed September 12, 2019 at https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/12/health/vaping-cigarettes-addiction-partner/index.html
