Typically, the blisters are not problematic. Because of the accelerated growth, a weak point may blister and develop at the top of the lungs. Air blisters are frequently found in tall, thin people who had a period of rapid growth during adolescence. Holes can be caused by injury or when air blisters (blebs) at the top of the lung burst and create tiny tears. It is possible to recover from vaping-related lipoid pneumonia with the most important step being quitting vaping immediately.Ī collapsed lung occurs when there’s a hole in the lung through which oxygen escapes. Symptoms include chronic cough, shortness of breath and coughing up blood.

Inhaling the oily substances found in e-liquid can cause an inflammatory response in the lungs that leads to lipoid pneumonia. There is no treatment for popcorn lung, but symptoms can often be managed. Sufferers often complain of wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and chest pain. Inhaling diacetyl causes inflammation and may lead to permanent scarring in the smallest branches of the airways which makes breathing difficult. It was first identified in a popcorn factory and was traced back to diacetyl, an additive used to simulate butter flavor in microwave popcorn.ĭiacetyl is frequently added to flavored e-liquid to enhance the taste. Vaping is associated with several lung diseases including:Īnother name for bronchiolitis obliterans (BO), popcorn lung occurs when the lungs’ small airways are damaged. The potential harm they cause is also unknown.Ĭlick to Tweet What vaping does to your lungs A paper recently published in the journal Chemical Research and Toxicology cited a study in which vape researchers found nearly 2000 chemicals, the vast majority of which are unidentified. While researchers have been able to identify the chemicals noted above and the harm they cause, there are literally thousands more to analyze. Nicotine: a highly addictive substance that negatively affects adolescent brain development.Diethylene glycol: a toxic chemical used in antifreeze and linked to lung disease.Benzene: a volatile organic compound (VOC) found in car exhaust.Propylene glycol: a common additive in food also used to make things like antifreeze, paint solvent, and artificial smoke in fog machines.Acrolein: a herbicide primarily used to kill weeds, can cause irreversible lung damage.Formaldehyde: a toxic chemical can cause lung disease and contribute to heart disease.

Diacetyl: a food additive used to enhance flavors can cause damage small passageways in the lungs, often referred to as popcorn lung.Other substances frequently used in vape juice that pose a risk when heated and inhaled include: And while Vitamin E is safe when taken as an oral supplement or even in lotions, it’s not really meant to be heated and inhaled and has been found in the lungs of people with severe, vaping-related damage.”

People hear ‘vitamin’ and assume it’s safe. Hart explains, “Vitamin E is frequently used as the base for vape juice. Much of the concern about vaping revolves around vape juice. But as for short-term health risks, there’s plenty to be concerned about. Vaping first rose to popularity around 2007 – which means there is still a LOT to be learned about its long-terms impacts. Vape liquids can do irreparable harm to the lungs and other parts of the body.”Ĭlick to Tweet What are the harmful, long-term side effects of vaping on your health? Vaping devices contain an oil, often called vape juice, to which nicotine and any number of potentially harmful chemicals are added for flavoring or to create a certain aroma, like cotton candy or blueberry. “Vaping involves inhaling a vapor produced by an e-cigarette device deep into your lungs. Michele Hart, a pulmonary nurse clinician at Baystate Pulmonary Rehabilitation, points out that vaping coats the lungs not only with vapor but also with harmful chemicals. And even though their packaging-and even aroma-may seem harmless, they disguise a very real and significant health risk to those who choose to vape and those around them. Whether it’s with e-cigarettes, vape pens, Juuls, or any number of devices designed to look like thumb drives, highlighter pens, watches, and even key fobs, teens and adults are vaping in record number-roughly 1 in 20 Americans use a vaping device. It’s nearly impossible to walk down the street and not see someone vaping.

Vapor lock symptoms in humans