Teen Vaping

Kindly reply to the below discussion post.
Area of Interest: Teen Vaping
E-cigarettes were initially created to assist adult smokers to quit smoking; however, they rapidly became popular among youth (Printz, 2020). E-cigarettes are also known as e-cigs, vapes, e-hookahs, vape pens, and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) (CDC, 2019). Vaping uses a device, such as an e-cigarette, that inhales heated aerosol typically containing nicotine (Miech et al., 2019). Teen vaping raises concerns about the long-term effects and potential for nicotine addiction (Printz, 2020). Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is harmful to the body and highly addictive. A CDC study found that 99% of e-cigarettes sold in the United States contained nicotine (CDC, 2019). In that study, many vape product labels do not disclose that they contain nicotine, and some vape liquids marketed as not containing nicotine have been found to have nicotine in them (CDC, 2019). Using nicotine in adolescence can affect brain development, including learning, mood, attention, and impulse control (Printz, 2020). The brain does not fully develop until age twenty-five (CDC, 2019). Additionally, when a new skill is learned or a new memory is created in the adolescent brain, stronger connections, called synapses, are built among brain cells (CDC, 2019). Young people’s brains build synapses faster than adults; however, nicotine changes the formation of synapses in the brain (CDC, 2019). In addition to nicotine, e-cigarettes can contain other harmful substances (CDC, 2019). Also, e-cigarette usage in adolescents and young adults increases the risk of using other substances, such as alcohol, marijuana, and opioids (Baker et al., 2021). Because vaping is so addictive, many teens wanting to stop e-cigarette usage are unsuccessful, leading to poor academic and sports performance, school suspension and expulsion, and family and peer conflicts (Baker et al., 2021).
Most teens misunderstand the dangers and long-term effects of vaping (Baker et al., 2021). When e-cigarettes were advertised initially, it was said that they were safer than cigarette smoking (Printz, 2020). A common misconception among teens is the emphasis on the word safer because even though vaping is safer than cigarette smoking, it does not mean it is safe (Printz, 2020). This misconception is challenging for the public, especially youth (Printz, 2020). One study found that most adolescents were unaware of their health risks when using e-cigarettes, and many thought vaping was safe (Baker et al., 2021). Additionally, most adolescents from the same study were unaware that almost all e-cigarette liquids contain nicotine and that absorption of nicotine through mucous or skin membranes can result in toxicity and be fatal if ingested (Baker et al., 2021). Nurse practitioners (NPs) must know the prevalence of vaping in adolescents and intervene. NPs can help youth and their parents understand the negative impacts of vaping through early screening and education. NPs must also be informed about the different resources to help reduce vaping among adolescents (Baker et al., 2021). Primary care visits are an opportune time for NPs to assess behaviors contributing to patient health. NPs can screen and educate young patients and their parents about the prevalence, relevance, and dangers of vaping. Thus, the recommendation to reduce teen vaping is through early screening and education for youth between the ages of 13 and 18, which can help discourage electronic cigarette usage and addiction (Baker et al., 2021).
References
Baker, K. A., Campbell, N. J., Noonan, D., Thompson, J. A., & Derouin, A. (2021). Vaping Prevention in a Middle School Population Using CATCH My Breath. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 36(2). 
CDC. (2019, March 1). Electronic Cigarettes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 
Miech, R., Johnston, L., O’Malley, P. M., Bachman, J. G., & Patrick, M. E. (2019). Trends in Adolescent Vaping, 2017–2019. New England Journal of Medicine, 381(15), 1490–1491. 
Printz, C. (2020). Fighting the teen vaping epidemic. Cancer, 126(6), 1147–1148.