E-cigarette use may affect multiple body parts. The main affected areas include the lungs, throat, and nasal cavities of the respiratory system; the heart and blood vessels of the circulatory system; the lips, tongue, gums, and teeth of the mouth and teeth; and the brain and nerve cells of the nervous system.
respiratory system
The respiratory system is a key part of our body, responsible for supplying the body with the oxygen it needs and removing carbon dioxide from the body. E-cigarette use may have adverse effects on the respiratory system. Although e-cigarettes are often promoted as a safer alternative to traditional tobacco, research shows that the chemicals and particles in e-cigarettes can also damage the respiratory system.
lungs
The lungs are the core part of the respiratory system and are responsible for gas exchange. Certain ingredients in e-cigarettes, such as propylene glycol and glycerol, may cause what is known as e-cigarette or heated tobacco product inhalation-induced lung injury (EVALI). Additionally, chemicals in some e-cigarette liquids may cause airway inflammation and alveolar damage.
Throat
The throat is the part that connects the mouth to the esophagus and is the passageway through which air enters and leaves the lungs. Inhaling the vapor from e-cigarettes may cause your throat to become dry, itchy, or sore. This is because some ingredients in e-cigarette vapor may cause irritation to mucous membranes, such as nicotine and certain flavoring ingredients. Long-term use may increase the risk of throat cancer.
nasal cavity
The nasal cavity is the main passageway for air to enter and leave the body. Inhaling e-cigarettes may cause dryness, pain, or inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Chemicals in e-cigarettes, such as formaldehyde and other harmful substances, may cause long-term damage to the nasal cavity and increase the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer.
circulatory system
The circulatory system is vital to the health and function of the human body and is responsible for transporting oxygen, nutrients and hormones through the blood to all parts of the body and removing waste products. Some ingredients in e-cigarettes, particularly nicotine, are known to cause adverse effects on the circulatory system.
heart
The heart is the heart of the circulatory system and is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. Nicotine, the main ingredient in e-cigarettes, is known to increase heart rate and blood pressure. Long-term vaping may lead to an increased risk of heart disease. For example, according to research from the American Heart Association, e-cigarette users have a 25% higher rate of heart disease than non-users. In addition, nicotine may cause decreased myocardial contractile function and irregular heartbeats.
Blood vessel
Blood vessels are responsible for transporting blood to every corner of the body. E-cigarette use has been shown to cause blood vessels to constrict and harden. Specifically, nicotine and other harmful chemicals in e-cigarettes, such as formaldehyde, may cause damage to the vascular endothelium, thereby increasing the risk of arteriosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis is a major cause of heart disease and stroke. Other harmful substances in e-cigarettes may also have direct toxic effects on the blood, such as increasing the likelihood of clotting, which further increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Mouth and Teeth
The mouth and teeth are not only related to eating, but also play a key role in speech, facial expressions and personal hygiene. The use of e-cigarettes may have an impact on oral health because they contain chemicals that may react adversely to oral tissues.
lips
Lips are sensitive parts of our bodies that are constantly exposed to the external environment. Vaping can cause dry and flaky lips because certain chemicals in e-cigarettes can strip the lips of their natural moisture. In addition, long-term nicotine smoking may cause the lips to darken, forming the so-called "smoker's lips." Nicotine and other harmful chemicals can also trigger cheilitis or other lip conditions.
Tongue
The tongue is a key part of the mouth, involved in chewing, swallowing and taste. Chemicals in e-cigarettes may cause inflammation of the tongue known as "vaping tongue," which is a pain, burning sensation, and odor on the tongue. Nicotine and other harsh chemicals can have a direct toxic effect on the tongue's taste cells, causing a loss or change in taste.
gums and teeth
Teeth and gum health are vital to overall oral health. E-cigarette use may cause gum inflammation, gum bleeding, and tooth sensitivity. The sugars and acids in e-cigarette liquids may cause tooth erosion and increase the risk of tooth decay. Long-term vaping may also cause teeth to become yellow or stained, as the nicotine and tar in them are both known to stain teeth. In addition, vaping may also reduce saliva production in the mouth, causing dry mouth and further increasing the risk of tooth and gum problems.
nervous system
The nervous system is the control center of the body and plays a vital role in sensory, motor and cognitive functions. The use of e-cigarettes, especially the nicotine contained in them, may have a range of effects on the nervous system.
brain
The brain is the main organ in the human body that processes information, makes decisions, and controls behavior. Nicotine is a substance known to cross the blood-brain barrier and act directly on neuroreceptors in the brain, specifically acetylcholine receptors. Long-term exposure to nicotine may cause changes in neuroreceptors, leading to increased dependence on nicotine. In addition, nicotine may alter the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward mechanisms. These changes may affect mood, concentration, and memory. According to research from the National Academy of Neurology, individuals who smoke e-cigarettes over a long period of time may experience reduced performance on certain cognitive tasks.
nerve cells
Nerve cells, also called neurons, are the basic units that make up the nervous system. Some ingredients in e-cigarettes may have toxic effects on nerve cells. Nicotine can increase the activity of nerve cells, but long-term exposure may cause nerve cell function to decrease or die. Other harmful chemicals in e-cigarette liquids, such as formaldehyde and acrylic acid, have also been shown to have direct toxic effects on nerve cells. For teenagers, whose brains are still developing, they may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of e-cigarettes, which can lead to impairments in learning and memory.