The doctor spoke about the hidden dangers of regular vaping

Regular vaping has a serious effect on the respiratory system and can lead to serious illnesses. On March 27, Georgy Agafonov, a thoracic surgeon, oncologist and researcher at the St. Petersburg Institute of Medical Sciences, told Izvestia.

"The most dangerous consequence of vaping is considered to be EVALI disease (E-cigarette and Vaping use-Associated Lung Injury), an acute chemical damage to the lungs that can quickly lead to irreversible tissue destruction and respiratory failure," the specialist explained.

With regular use of vapes, the lungs are exposed to constant chemical burns and toxic stress. Macrophages, the protective cells of the respiratory tract, absorb aerosol components, including flavors, glycerin, and oil additives, but cannot process them. This causes severe inflammation and disrupts gas exchange in the alveoli. A Johns Hopkins University study has shown that the use of electronic cigarettes is associated with the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. In addition, vapor components, such as vitamin E acetate, settle in the alveoli and block the flow of oxygen into the blood.

Agafonov stressed that the first signs of lung damage may appear after several months of active "soaring."

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"Vapers should not ignore the increasing shortness of breath, dry cough, chest pain, nausea, vomiting and severe fatigue. The appearance of blood in the sputum or sudden chest pain requires immediate medical attention," the specialist noted.

He also recalled that the respiratory system has a compensation resource, but it is not unlimited. In case of obvious symptoms, it is important to immediately stop using vape and contact specialists — pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons — for a comprehensive examination and treatment. Continued smoking in such cases can lead to respiratory distress syndrome, severe disability, or even death.

"The surest strategy is to completely quit smoking without delay. This helps to maintain healthy lungs and avoid the development of dangerous diseases that can have the most serious consequences," concluded Agafonov.

On April 17, 2025, immunologist, Candidate of Medical Sciences Nikolay Kryuchkov said that regular smoking of vapes provokes a cough, to which, over time, a feeling of lack of air is added. The expert added that later there is a respiratory disorder, in fact, a person experiences shortness of breath.

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