More and more smokers, including teenagers, are switching to the trendy electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes, but are they a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes?
What is an e-cigarette?
An e-cigarette is a battery powered device that converts the liquid chemical propylene glycol, nicotine, flavoring and other additives, into a vapor. Inhaling this vapor is called “vaping.”
Who uses e-cigarettes?
As of July 2014, about 2.5 million Americans were using e-cigarettes. In 2013, more than a quarter million middle and high school students who had never smoked conventional cigarettes had used e-cigarettes. That’s 3 times as many as in 2011 as the popularity of these devices has been increasing.
What are the risks of e-cigarettes?
Right now, there isn’t a lot of research on how e-cigarettes many affect your health in the long term.
What is known, however, is that nicotine is the most common form of chemical addiction in the US. If you’re smoking these cigarettes, you are inhaling nicotine. Dentally, nicotine can harm your teeth and gums, contributing to gum disease, dry mouth and other conditions.
What are recommended alternatives to smoking?
If you’re trying to quit smoking, don’t reach for an e-cigarette. Instead:
1. Ask your doctor about nicotine replacement therapy.
Prescription nicotine nasal sprays and inhalers are available, as are medications such as Chantix and Zyban. Over the counter patches, lozenges and gum can also help you quit smoking.
2. Reach out for support from friends or a support group. Extra support can help you stick to your stop smoking goals.
3. Focus on relaxation. Some people use smoking to help reduce stress. Instead, try yoga, meditation or deep breathing exercises.
4. Exercise. When you feel the urge to smoke, try hitting the gym instead. 30 minutes of exercise may help reduce your nicotine cravings.
It’s never too late to quit. Quitting smoking of either conventional cigarettes or e-cigarettes is difficult and may take more than one try. Don’t be discouraged and reach out to your health care provider for more information.
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