Is vaping nicotine better for me than smoking cigarettes?

Even though it may seem like everyone is vaping these days, the reality is that nicotine - either from a vape, e-cigarette, or traditional cigarette - has negative effects on your health. In any form, nicotine is addictive and  expensive. While there may be reduced exposure to toxic chemicals with vaping, that’s not necessarily true. Less is known about the chemicals in vapes, and could be worse if you modify your device or cartridge. 

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Vaping can be particularly dangerous because many people assume that it’s healthier. The convenience and lack of smoke or odor often leads to people using more often, and then underestimating how much nicotine they are consuming. This can mean faster nicotine dependence and addiction. 

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We’ve already seen the long-term effects of cigarettes, but the scary reality is that the long-term effects of vaping are unknown, since they just haven’t been for that long. But it’s just a matter of time before the effects are discovered; in general, lungs prefer breathing clean air, so it’s recommended to stay away from nicotine. If you want to learn more or need help ending your nicotine habit, reach out to a member of the Caraway Care Team.

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Reviewed by Sara Levine, MD, MPH, FAAP, Medical Director of Adolescent Medicine

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