E-cigarettes are becoming increasingly popular among young people, with children as young as 14 showing up in UAE hospitals with complaints related to e-cigarette smoking. Many kids start smoking e-cigarettes as a way to alleviate stress from schoolwork, but end up experiencing symptoms such as chronic cough, chest pain, and breathlessness. Doctors have reported cases of adolescents developing asthma as a result of e-cigarette use, with one boy needing at least three months of medication to treat his condition.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the alarming rate of e-cigarette use among adolescents globally, with the tobacco industry targeting children by offering appealing flavors and designs. E-cigarette producers make their products resemble toys and incorporate high-tech features to attract young customers. Majority of young smokers are drawn to e-cigarettes because of their appealing smells and flavors, making them more enticing than traditional cigarettes. However, experts warn that e-cigarettes can still have harmful effects on young people’s health, including the risk of cancer and heart and lung disorders.
Despite the perception that e-cigarettes are safer than cigarettes, they still pose significant health risks, especially for young users. Children have experienced symptoms such as coughing up blood and prolonged coughs lasting more than one to two months due to their vaping habits. E-cigarettes can also create an environment in the lungs that predisposes them to severe respiratory issues, requiring intensive treatment to manage and resolve. Doctors emphasize the importance of open conversations with children about the dangers of e-cigarettes and the need to avoid smoking and vaping.
Parents and schools play a crucial role in preventing children from smoking and vaping. It is essential for adults to have open and honest conversations about the health risks associated with e-cigarettes, set a good example by avoiding smoking themselves, and incorporate education on the harms of e-cigarettes into school curriculums. Guardians should discuss both the short-term and long-term risks associated with smoking and vaping, and advise children to avoid these harmful habits. By raising awareness and educating young people about the dangers of e-cigarettes, we can help prevent future generations from falling victim to the harmful effects of smoking.
