Vaping & chronic stress often coexist in young people.

Vaping & chronic stress often coexist in young people.

The Relationship Between Vaping and Chronic Stress in Young People

Young people who vape may be more likely to experience chronic stress, according to researchers. However, it remains unclear whether stress leads to vaping or if vaping causes stress. Dr. Teresa To, a senior scientist at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, stated, “Research is starting to show how vaping affects young people’s physical and mental health.”

The study, presented at a meeting of the European Respiratory Society, analyzed data from the Canadian Health Measures Surveys, including 905 individuals aged 15 to 30. Among the participants, approximately 13% reported using e-cigarettes. The findings revealed that young people who vape were more physically active but also reported higher levels of chronic stress.

Chronic stress can have significant impacts on mental health, potentially leading to anxiety and depression. It is crucial for young individuals facing chronic stress to receive early support to help them find healthier coping mechanisms rather than turning to vaping or smoking. Dr. To emphasized, “Vaping is not an effective way to cope with stress, but stress and anxiety can trigger cravings and make it harder to quit.”

While the study considered various factors that influence stress, such as income, alcohol consumption, and pre-existing health conditions like asthma and diabetes, it remains possible that another factor influenced both stress levels and vaping. Dr. To speculated that young people who use e-cigarettes and are more physically active may be attempting to control their weight through exercise and believe vaping could assist in this endeavor.

Interestingly, the study also found that young people who vape had lower risks of certain indicators of poor health, such as high blood pressure. However, these findings did not reach statistical significance. Dr. To emphasized the need for further research on the long-term effects of e-cigarettes to understand their impact on young people’s health. Chronic stress can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, increasing the risk of developing chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

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As the popularity of vaping among children and young individuals continues to rise, more research is necessary to assess its impacts. Additionally, raising awareness about the harms of e-cigarette use and providing support to help young people avoid or quit vaping is crucial. Dr. Elif Dagli, a member of the respiratory society’s tobacco control committee, commended the study’s efforts in shedding light on the relationship between vaping and stress.

It is important to note that these findings are preliminary as the study has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal. However, they provide valuable insights into the potential link between vaping and chronic stress in young people.

For more information, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website on the risks of e-cigarettes.

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