Vaping has been in the news a lot lately, with reports of at least one death from respiratory complications and a number of cases of patients who develop acute respiratory problems, requiring hospitalization. In some cases, these were thought to be due to persons who were vaping THC, rather than a nicotine source. Studies have not yet concluded whether or not “standard vaping” is dangerous.

Many patients who smoke have switched, or are considering switching to vaping, either to wean themselves off of cigarettes and quit, or because they feel that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes. While it is true that vaping eliminates known toxins and carcinogens that are in cigarettes, this latest observation of respiratory illnesses is disturbing.

I recommend that, until further studies are available about the safety of vaping nicotine as an alternative to smoking, you should refrain from this practice altogether.