Teenagers and young adults who vape are experiencing more wheezing and shortness of breath, a new study shows.
Researchers surveyed over 2,000 students in California, with an average age of 17. Teens who recently used an e-cigarette were 81% more likely to wheeze and 78% more likely to feel short of breath than teens who had never vaped.
Other Respiratory Symptoms
Vapers also reported other respiratory issues. These included:
- Daily cough lasting three months or more
- Bronchitis within the last year
- Congestion or phlegm without a cough
Rising Vaping Rates Among Youth
Dr Sara Kayat spoke on Monday’s episode of This Morning, warning about the risks of vaping. She highlighted the rise in teen vaping and lack of marketing regulations.
ASH reports show that the number of children experimenting with vaping has grown by 50% year on year, from one in 13 to one in nine. Over half of children saw e-cigarette promotions, and nearly a third saw marketing online.
In 2023:
- 20.5% of children had tried vaping
- 15% of 11–15-year-olds had tried it
- 34% of 16–17-year-olds had tried it
- 38% of 18-year-olds had tried it
Current use was reported at 4.6% for 11–15-year-olds, 15% for 16–17-year-olds, and 18% for 18-year-olds.
Expert Warning from Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation
Paula Chadwick, chief executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, expressed serious concern:
“We have always worried about e-cigarette use among young people and non-smokers. Marketing techniques and appealing flavours encourage this behaviour.
“E-cigarettes aim to help people quit smoking, but more young people are trying vaping without ever smoking. These products may seriously harm their lungs.
“We don’t yet know the long-term effects, but we see immediate consequences on lung health. Action must come quickly, including stricter marketing rules, to prevent a new health crisis.”