The Impact of Vaping on Asthma And Why Its Rising Popularity Is a Concern

Over the past few years, vaping has emerged as a trend among teenagers and young adults, often seen as a “safer” alternative to traditional smoking. But for people with asthma, this growing habit is far from harmless. In fact, vaping can be a serious trigger, leading to breathing difficulties, flare-ups, and long-term complications.

In this blog, we’ll explore how vaping affects asthma, why its usage is on the rise, and what people with asthma (and their caregivers) need to know.

What Is Vaping and Why Is It So Popular?

Vaping involves inhaling aerosol (commonly called vapour) created by heating a liquid in an e-cigarette or vape pen. This liquid usually contains:

• Nicotine (even in “no-nicotine” products)
• Flavourings (which can be chemically reactive)
• Other harmful substances like formaldehyde, propylene glycol, and heavy metals

Why is vaping gaining popularity?

• Perceived as safer than smoking
  Many believe vaping doesn’t contain harmful tobacco smoke, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe.
• Easy access and trendy appeal
  Despite regulations, vapes are often available at paan shops or online in India. Sleek designs, fruity flavours, and peer influence have made them trendy among teens and young professionals.
• Lack of awareness
  Few understand the real risks, especially in India where public health messaging is more focused on traditional tobacco.

How Vaping Affects People with Asthma

For someone living with asthma, vaping is not just a bad habit, it can be dangerous.

Here’s how vaping can worsen asthma:

• Triggers airway inflammation
  Vaping irritates the airways, just like cigarette smoke. This inflammation can narrow your bronchial tubes, making it harder to breathe.
• Increases frequency and severity of asthma attacks
  Several studies have shown a link between e-cigarette use and more frequent asthma symptoms, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness.
• Delays asthma recovery
  Even if you’re on proper medication, regular exposure to vape can slow down your body’s healing and response to asthma treatment.
• Potential risk of EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury)
  Although rare, cases of severe lung damage due to vaping have been documented, and people with asthma are at higher risk.

Personal Story: A Close Call

A friend of mine with mild asthma started vaping socially during college. He thought it wasn’t a big deal since he wasn’t smoking cigarettes. But soon, he began waking up with a tight chest, needing his inhaler more often, especially after parties. It took several months (and a severe wheezing episode during exam season) to realize that vaping was the culprit. Once he stopped, his symptoms improved.

This is just one example, but there are thousands more, especially among young Indians who are unaware of the risks.

The Alarming Rise of Vaping in India

Even though e-cigarettes were officially banned in India in 2019, enforcement is weak and sales continue, especially in metro cities and through online platforms.

Key trends to note:

• Teen use is rising
  According to surveys, nearly 1 in 5 urban Indian teens has tried vaping, often before the age of 18.
• Many asthma patients think it’s safer
  Because vaping lacks the smell and stigma of cigarettes, it’s wrongly seen as harmless, even among those with asthma.
• Unregulated products = more danger
  Many black-market vapes in India have unknown ingredients, making their health impact unpredictable and potentially more harmful.

If You Have Asthma, Here’s What You Can Do

• Avoid all forms of vaping – even socially or “just once.” There’s no safe level for people with asthma.
• Speak up at social events – If your friends vape, let them know you have asthma and it affects you.
• Support others to quit – If you know someone who vapes, encourage them to stop — especially if they live with or care for someone with asthma.
• Watch for secondhand vapour exposure – Even being near someone who is vaping can affect your lungs.

Final Thoughts

While the world debates whether vaping is “better” than smoking, for asthma patients, the verdict is clear: vaping is a serious trigger and must be avoided. With the rise of e-cigarettes among youth, it’s more important than ever to raise awareness about this hidden danger, especially in India, where regulations are still catching up.

Let’s make asthma management easier, not harder. If you or someone you love has asthma, stay away from vaping and help spread the word. Please join the asthma friend community to share your experience with everyone.

This blog is part of our awareness series on World No Tobacco Day. Read all our blogs on vaping, passive smoke, and asthma triggers.