Vaping a ‘Stupid Habit’: Doctor warns of addiction, throat irritation
A pulmonologist warns that vaping is a "stupid habit" that can cause nicotine addiction, throat irritation, and breathing difficulties.Summary
A pulmonologist has called vaping a "stupid habit" and warned about its health risks, including nicotine addiction, throat irritation, and breathing difficulties. Dr Shivaraj A L, Lead Consultant and Head of Pulmonology at Aster Whitefield Hospital, explained that the aerosol from e-cigarettes can contain nicotine, fine particles, flavouring agents, and volatile organic compounds that irritate the airways. He noted that vaping can cause dryness and inflammation of the larynx and vocal folds, leading to hoarseness and vocal fatigue, though voice changes should not be attributed to vaping without clinical examination. Nicotine addiction is a major concern, with withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, cravings, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating, and young people are particularly vulnerable due to developing brains. Vaping may also trigger wheezing and worsen asthma and other respiratory conditions. Dr Shivaraj advised people with persistent hoarseness or respiratory symptoms lasting more than two or three weeks to consult an ENT specialist, and recommended professional support, psychological counselling, and medication to help quit. The key message is that vaping should not be considered harmless simply because it does not produce conventional cigarette smoke.
(Source：Daijiworld)
