Dr Bryan Betty: A new study reveals first long-term consequences of vaping

There’s been a lot of discussion and concerns about the long-term effects of vaping of late, especially regarding young people. New research has started to uncover potential long-term problems with vaping.    What is the problem with vaping?  It was introduced as a “quit smoking” tool and was accepted to be less harmful than smoking.  Useful as a quit smoking tool, as a substitute for cigarettes .  However, the growing issue in NZ is young people taking up vaping who would otherwise not smoke.  Surveys indicate that 26.5% of 18–24-year-olds and 10% of 14–18-year-olds vape daily.   Concerns if there would be long-term effects on these young people.     Is it addictive?  Many vapes have nicotine which is highly addictive.  Increasing reports of people not being able to get off vapes.  We know nicotine can cause concerns over brain development, increased risk of anxiety, raise blood pressure, and increased heartrates.  Vapes can irritate the lungs, causing coughs and even some concerns over increased risk of collapsed lungs.     A new study has started to shed light  A new study out of Oxford University has identified long term harm from vaping alone.  It followed nearly 250,000 individuals who vaped, over four years.  Major finding: vapers are 2.29 times more likely to develop Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease – COPD.  COPD is often referred to as emphysema: lungs stiffen, lots of mucous, recurrent infections, and reduced ability to get oxygen into the blood stream due to lung damage. Permanent damage.   Among 30-70-year-olds, they’re 1.39 times more likely to have high blood pressure.     Implications of this?  Obviously, it’s an issue for the number of young teenagers taking up vaping and an emerging health issue overall.  We need to think hard about our approach to vaping – Australia has made vaping prescription only.  Restrictions have been put in place in New Zealand.    LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.