Asthma attacks from 2nd hand smoke from vaping

 

 

 

This infographic is from Allergy & Asthma Network, and shows the effects of smoking on asthma. It seems like most people know the connection with asthma and smoking cigarettes. Like the quote in the poster that says:

 "Kids with asthma who are exposed to second hand smoke at home = 2x more likely to be hospitalized due to asthma flare"

But - what about vaping? Also called e-cigarettes, Cigalikes, Vape Pens, Ego Cigarettes, Mods, E-Hookah, Shisha Pens or  electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS).

Some people claim ENDS help them "quit smoking". I know someone who switched from cigarettes to vaping to help them quit smoking. That was years ago - they are still vaping....... 

I avoid smokers - because I don't smoke and don't want to smell like I'm a smoker. And - it will trigger an asthma attack for me. 

I just read a study from CHES Journal (Official Publication of the American College of Chest Physicians) It shows that the smoke (that some claim is harmless) from vaping DOES cause asthma attacks for some that are exposed.

Under the Results sections, it says: 

"Overall, 21% of youth with asthma reported having an asthma attack in the past 12 months, and 33% reported secondhand ENDS aerosol exposure. Secondhand ENDS aerosol exposure was associated with higher odds of reporting an asthma attack in the past 12 months...."

 

 Yep, you read that right. 

1/3 of youth asthma attacks caused by someone who was vaping near them.

1/3

That's a lot of asthma attacks by youth who are suffering because someone around them is vaping!

If you have kids, talk to them about how to avoid being around someone who is vaping. Lots of kids sneak their e-cigs into class, so it can be hard when you are stuck in a classroom by someone who is vaping. (Don't think that happens in schools? Ask your kids!)

They can also be around people vaping at a friend's house, at work, a family party, etc.

And - let's face it - peer pressure means sometimes kids will stay in a situation because they don't know how to get out of it. Or they want to hang out with the "cool crowd."

This is a tough conversation to have with kids, but it's better than them having an asthma attack while someone was vaping near them!