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By Dr. Jaisingh Rajput

Once marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, vaping has become a growing health concern—especially among youth and young adults. What may seem like harmless flavored vapor is now linked to serious lung damage, nicotine addiction, and long-term health consequences.

What Is Vaping?

Vaping involves inhaling aerosol, often called vapor, produced by an e-cigarette or similar device. These devices heat a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. Despite being tobacco-free, most vaping products still contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance.

Health Risks of Vaping

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Lung Association, vaping can cause:

* Nicotine addiction, leading to mood changes, irritability and withdrawal;

* Lung inflammation, coughing and shortness of breath;

* Popcorn lung (bronchiolitis obliterans) from harmful chemicals like diacety;

* Heart disease risk due to increased blood pressure and heart rate; 

* Weakened immune system and increased susceptibility to infections; and 

* Severe lung injury (EVALI – E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury).

Vaping Impact on Youth

Teens are especially vulnerable. One in five high school students report vaping regularly. Nicotine can alter brain development in young people, affecting memory, attention, and learning.

Signs of Vaping Addiction

Signs someone may be vaping include craving to vape frequently, anxiety or irritability when unable to vape, hiding vaping habits from family, declining performance in school or work and persistent coughing or breathing problems.

How to Quit Vaping

Several techniques may help individuals quit their vaping habit. These include:

1. Behavioral Counseling – Talking with a counselor can help identify triggers and build strategies to quit.
2. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) – Nicotine patches, lozenges, or gum can help reduce withdrawal symptoms.
3. Prescription Medications – Bupropion (Zyban) and varenicline (Chantix) may assist in quitting nicotine under medical supervision.
4. Mobile Apps and Online Tools – Smokefree Teen (teen.smokefree.gov), This is Quitting by Truth Initiative or the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Quitline: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).
5. Set a Quit Date – Pick a realistic day to stop and tell family or friends to hold you accountable.

Local Support is available in Greenville and Selma at:

Greenville Family Health Center offers tobacco and vape cessation programs. Call (334) 555-1222 for more information.

The Butler County Health Department has free monthly support groups and NRT starter kits.

Visit: www.butlercountyhealth.org for details.

The Selma Community Wellness Center provides youth counseling, group therapy and nicotine recovery plans. Call (334) 555-7789 to learn more.

Many local schools also have anti-vaping education and confidential counseling for students.

Vaping is not the safe habit many once believed. The long-term consequences can be severe—but help is available. Whether you’re a teen, adult, or concerned parent, take the first step today. Reach out to local resources, talk to your doctor, and choose health over habit.

For questions or appointments, contact Dr. Jaisingh Rajput at Greenville Family Practice or visit his practice.

Dr. Jaisingh Rajput and Dr. Prakakta Rajput are physicians specializing in hospital medicine and preventive health. They are dedicated to educating the public on stroke prevention and cardiovascular wellness.