Vaping vs Smoking: Which is Worse?

A common misconception people have is that vaping is a better option than smoking. Is this true?

It’s not surprising to form this view when many of us are familiar with the harmful health effects of smoking, but not vaping. Plus, e-cigarettes smell nothing like the foul and nauseating smell that follows cigarette smoke – you can choose from a variety of pleasant-sounding flavours and scents.

Unfortunately, neither is truly better than the other. Let’s explore more below!

E-cigarettes Are Addictive

Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine that is found in cigarettes, which is suggested to be as addictive as heroin and cocaine. This toxic substance makes you desire smoking and suffer from withdrawal symptoms if you try to ignore the craving. In the worst scenario, you might even become addicted to both cigarettes and e-vaporisers.

Nicotine also makes your blood pressure and adrenaline climb, which makes your heart rate spike as well. Therefore, it may even lead to a heart attack.

Vaping is Not an Effective Way to Quit Smoking

Some users turn to vape as a means to kick their smoking habit. However, using vaping is neither safe nor effective to help you stop smoking. Although some brands may claim to be useful in doing so, these claims are not recognised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because of a lack of evidence.

Studies have also found that the majority of smokers who switched to e-cigarettes went back to smoking cigarettes after some time. It means that it doesn’t help smokers to kick the addiction, but rather, acts as an alternative.

E-cigarettes Contain the Same Harmful Chemicals

Although you can find nicotine-free e-vaporisers, they still contain damaging chemicals. You may also suffer from side effects, such as immune system inflammation, lung, and heart damage.

In fact, studies have found that vaping leads to an increased risk of heart attack, coronary artery disease, and even depression and anxiety.

E-vaporisers Are Illegal in Singapore

For the record, it is illegal to use, buy, and possess e-vaporisers in Singapore. However, they continue to be sold and used, even by teens and primary school students. This group of adolescents is getting increasingly addicted to vaping, perhaps in part due to the belief that it is less harmful.

It might also be seen as a trendy fad that’s cool to try, making these teens take up vaping to be part of the ‘cool’ crowd. E-cigarettes are also a more affordable alternative since they are not regulated by the government.

If you wish to quit smoking, a practical and effective way is to seek a professional’s help instead of using e-vaporisers. Should you have respiratory side effects, seek a house doctor’s help through a telemedicine consultation to get professional advice and medical aid.