Pulmonologist: "When smoking vapes, damage to the bronchopulmonary tissue occurs within 3-5 months."

      Nizhny Novgorod doctors supported the initiative of the governor of the Nizhny Novgorod region, Gleb Nikitin, regarding the non-distribution of vapes in the youth environment. Doctors of various specialties expressed their views on how harmful the practice of vaping is. This harmful habit inevitably affects the health of both children and adults.

      The chief freelance pulmonologist of the Nizhny Novgorod regional health ministry, Vasily Fedotov, stated that vapes are incorrectly positioned as a "safe alternative" to regular cigarettes. On the contrary, the use of such devices destroys the lungs much faster.

      According to the doctor, when using vape systems, the bronchopulmonary system suffers primarily. One of the most dangerous consequences is the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This progressive disease threatens life: it manifests as shortness of breath and cough, and over time can lead to disability and death.

      "When a smoker with 10-20 years of experience suffering from COPD comes to the doctor, it is expected, but with vaping, damage to the bronchial tissue occurs within just 3-5 months. A condition similar to alveolitis develops. This is a severe disease that also manifests as shortness of breath. Isolated cases of such diseases were previously encountered in the practice of pulmonologists, but now, in the era of vaping, the number of such patients has significantly increased," Vasily Fedotov reported on this alarming trend.

      Vaping negatively impacts not only the respiratory organs. As noted by the chief freelance endocrinologist of the regional health ministry, Natalia Podprugina, the endocrine and reproductive systems are also "under attack."

      "The liquids in vape systems contain propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine, diacetyl, and aromatic additives. When inhaling vapor, ions of heavy metals—lead, nickel, and others—enter the body, affecting the endocrine system. For example, pentabromodiphenyl ethers, which prevent the device from overheating, disrupt the production of thyroid hormones that regulate the work of the heart and brain," the doctor explained.

      The physician emphasized that vaping can lead to a decrease in male testosterone levels and a reduction in sperm count. Negative effects of vape vapor on the female reproductive system, especially during pregnancy, have also been identified.

      "I recommend patients to give up vapes even if they have a little extra weight, and if they have diabetes, the use of vape systems is an additional factor for a more severe course of this disease. Therefore, even if a vape does not contain nicotine, inhaling vapor can be dangerous. The most important work for public health protection is the legislative equalization of vapes with traditional tobacco products, banning their promotion and use," concluded the endocrinologist.

      Pediatricians emphasize that vapes are especially dangerous for children and adolescents. During adolescence, the body is growing and developing, and the additional burden of toxic substances can have long-term consequences.

      "Aromatizers and heavy metals have a carcinogenic effect on the endocrine glands—hormones with high biological activity that ensure growth, development, reproduction, adaptation, and behavior processes. Therefore, the use of vapes during adolescence is particularly dangerous when the body is still growing and has not encountered such a burden. Even a few puffs a day over two years can destroy a child's lung tissue to the level of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease of a smoker with 40 years of experience," explained Olga Burova, the chief physician of the Children's City Polyclinic No. 19 in Nizhny Novgorod.

      Natalia Savitskaya, the chief physician of the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Center for Public Health and Medical Prevention, added that the substances contained in the vapor released when smoking vapes and electronic cigarettes also cause allergic reactions, purulent processes, and liver and kidney dysfunction. The respiratory organs, endocrine and reproductive systems, as well as the central nervous system, are damaged in the body, and mutagenic processes develop.

      The doctor outlined the symptoms indicating that vaping is already negatively affecting the "vaper's" body.

      "The first sign is increased salivation and dry mouth—this is a reaction to heavy metals. 'Vapers' often complain of headaches, dizziness, memory deterioration, decreased attention span, emotional and other disorders. Patients exhibit irritability, aggression, depression, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If you recently started vaping and have not previously encountered the listed problems, it is better to stop using the device and monitor your well-being. It is very likely that the cause of your malaise lies in this harmful habit," concluded Natalia Savitskaya.

      Recall that a large-scale effort to combat the spread of vapes in the youth environment began in the region this spring. Earlier, Governor Gleb Nikitin addressed President Vladimir Putin with an initiative to limit the sale of vapes during their working meeting in Sarov. The head of state supported this proposal, noting that he considers it timely and important for protecting the health of young people.

      "Vapes cause a strong addiction in a short time, forming a life-threatening habit. We see how this addiction is rapidly spreading not only among adults but primarily among our youth. Young people do not assess the serious harm to health. Therefore, the Legislative Assembly fully supports the initiative of the regional head regarding the non-distribution of vapes in the Nizhny Novgorod region. This is a concern for the healthy future of our youth and the entire population," expressed the opinion of Irina Makarova, a deputy of the Legislative Assembly of the Nizhny Novgorod region (United Russia faction) and head of Polyclinic No. 2 of Clinical Hospital No. 50 of the FMBA of Russia.

      Recall that the refusal of citizens from various types of smoking and alcohol consumption, as well as the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, is a task set for the regions of the country within the framework of the national project "Sustained and Active Life." NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay informed about the main events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+.