{"id":43216,"date":"2026-06-01T08:34:19","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T08:34:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/?p=43216"},"modified":"2026-06-01T10:57:11","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T10:57:11","slug":"uae-doctors-caution-teens-about-serious-life-threatening-dangers-linked-to-vaping","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/01\/uae-doctors-caution-teens-about-serious-life-threatening-dangers-linked-to-vaping\/","title":{"rendered":"UAE doctors caution teens about serious, life-threatening dangers linked to vaping."},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Doctors in the United Arab Emirates are increasingly concerned about a worrying trend among teenagers involving the use of vaping devices, with some young users experiencing serious and even life-threatening health complications. Medical professionals have reported cases where adolescents, after regular exposure to e-cigarettes, have developed severe respiratory conditions, including intense inflammation of the lungs that can require emergency hospital care and intensive treatment.<\/p>

One particularly alarming case involved a 16-year-old patient who was admitted to intensive care after suffering significant lung damage believed to be associated with vaping. According to specialists, this case highlights how quickly nicotine and vaping-related products can impact the health of younger users, even when the duration of use may not be very long. Doctors emphasize that such incidents are no longer isolated and are instead becoming an increasing concern in clinical practice.<\/p>

A consultant pulmonologist based in Abu Dhabi, Dr Yazeed Abed El Khaleq at Burjeel Hospital, explained that the youngest regular vaping patient he has encountered in the country was just 16 years old. In this case, the condition had progressed to a level severe enough that hospitalization in an intensive care unit was necessary. Medical staff described the situation as potentially fatal due to the extent of lung inflammation and breathing difficulty experienced by the teenager.<\/p>

Healthcare professionals note that vaping-related lung injury can manifest in several ways, including persistent coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, fever-like symptoms, and in more serious cases, respiratory failure requiring ventilatory support. The concern among doctors is that many adolescents may underestimate the seriousness of these symptoms or delay seeking medical help, allowing the condition to worsen before treatment begins.<\/p>

The case has added to a growing body of evidence suggesting that e-cigarettes, often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products, may still carry substantial health risks, particularly for younger individuals whose lungs are still developing. Medical experts point out that while vaping devices do not involve burning tobacco in the same way as conventional cigarettes, they still deliver nicotine and a mixture of chemical substances that can irritate and damage lung tissue.<\/p>

Doctors in the UAE are also observing a pattern in which teenagers are increasingly drawn to vaping due to factors such as flavored products, social influence, and perceptions that these devices are less harmful than smoking. However, specialists warn that such perceptions are misleading and can contribute to early addiction as well as long-term health consequences.<\/p>

The concern is not limited to individual clinical cases. Health authorities and international organizations have also been raising alarms about the growing popularity of nicotine-based products among young people worldwide. The World Health Organization\u2019s regional office for the Eastern Mediterranean has recently highlighted the issue, expressing concern that modern tobacco and nicotine products are being deliberately designed to appeal to younger audiences.<\/p>

According to the WHO, manufacturers often use a combination of flavoring agents, attractive packaging, and targeted marketing strategies across digital platforms to increase the appeal of these products among adolescents and young adults. This approach, health experts argue, has contributed to the normalization of vaping in social environments where traditional smoking has become less common.<\/p>

On World No Tobacco Day 2026, the WHO renewed its call for stronger global action to address what it describes as the \u201cappeal tactics\u201d used by the tobacco and nicotine industry. The organization urged governments and regulators to take more decisive steps to prevent young people from becoming addicted to nicotine, emphasizing the importance of limiting exposure to advertising and restricting product designs that are particularly attractive to minors.<\/p>

Medical professionals in the UAE echo these concerns, stressing that prevention and awareness are key to addressing the issue. Doctors recommend that parents, schools, and community leaders play a more active role in educating teenagers about the potential dangers of vaping, including the risk of nicotine addiction, respiratory damage, and long-term cardiovascular effects.<\/p>

They also highlight that nicotine exposure during adolescence can interfere with brain development, potentially affecting attention, learning, mood regulation, and impulse control. This makes young users particularly vulnerable not only to physical health problems but also to dependency and behavioral changes associated with addiction.<\/p>

In clinical settings, pulmonologists have observed that vaping-related lung injuries can sometimes mimic other respiratory conditions such as asthma or infections, making diagnosis more challenging. As a result, doctors stress the importance of considering vaping history when evaluating young patients with unexplained respiratory symptoms.<\/p>

Treatment for severe cases may include oxygen therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and in extreme situations, intensive care support with mechanical ventilation. Recovery can vary depending on the severity of lung damage and how quickly treatment is initiated. Some patients recover fully, while others may experience lingering respiratory issues.<\/p>

The growing number of cases has prompted healthcare providers to call for stronger public health messaging, particularly aimed at schools and adolescents. Physicians argue that clearer communication about the risks of vaping is necessary to counteract misleading perceptions that e-cigarettes are harmless or simply \u201cwater vapor.\u201d<\/p>

Experts also emphasize that nicotine addiction can develop quickly in teenagers, sometimes even faster than in adults, due to differences in brain chemistry and developmental stage. Once addiction sets in, quitting can be extremely difficult, often requiring structured support and intervention.<\/p>

Public health officials are now increasingly focused on early prevention strategies, including awareness campaigns, school-based education programs, and parental guidance initiatives. These efforts aim to reduce the number of young people who experiment with vaping in the first place.<\/p>

At the same time, doctors continue to document and report cases of vaping-related illness in order to better understand the long-term impact of these products. While research is still ongoing, the evidence so far suggests that inhaling aerosolized chemicals into developing lungs poses significant risks that should not be underestimated.<\/p>

The situation has also sparked wider discussions about regulation and enforcement. Health experts argue that stronger controls on sales, advertising, and accessibility of vaping products to minors are necessary to curb rising usage rates among teenagers.<\/p>

Ultimately, medical professionals in the UAE are urging caution, awareness, and preventive action. They warn that what may begin as experimentation or social curiosity can quickly escalate into dependency and serious health consequences, particularly when it involves substances that directly affect lung function and brain development.<\/p>

The message from doctors is clear: vaping is not a harmless habit, especially for teenagers, and the potential health risks can be severe, sudden, and in some cases, life-threatening.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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The organisation further cautioned that adolescents are roughly nine times more likely to vape than adults, with usage rates among young people climbing as high as 30% in certain parts of the region.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Starting with vapes<\/h3>

A doctor based in the UAE has noted that he frequently encounters teenagers in their mid to late adolescence who admit to regularly using vaping devices or other nicotine-related products.<\/p>

Dr Prabhu Prasad N.C., a Specialist Pulmonologist at RAK Hospital, explained that many young people who use vapes or nicotine substances do not immediately appear to be dealing with addiction when they first seek medical attention.<\/p>

He pointed out that such adolescents often present with symptoms like persistent coughing, wheezing, irritation in the throat, shortness of breath, reduced stamina during physical activity, disrupted sleep, feelings of anxiety, or recurring respiratory complaints. \u201cIt is usually only after we directly inquire about vaping, e-cigarettes, disposable devices, shisha, traditional cigarettes, or nicotine pouches that the true history becomes evident,\u201d he said.<\/p>

Dr Yazeed added that a growing number of teenagers are experimenting with vaping instead of conventional cigarettes, largely because they perceive e-cigarettes as less harmful, more socially acceptable, and easier to conceal from parents or authority figures.<\/p>

Dr Prabhu also highlighted that the most common explanations given by young users include curiosity, peer pressure, stress relief, the idea of trying it just once, appealing flavors, and the widespread misconception that vaping carries fewer health risks than smoking.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Not just \u2018flavoured air\u2019<\/h3>

Doctors in the UAE have highlighted a widespread misunderstanding among teenagers and young adults that vaping is safe simply because it does not resemble traditional cigarette smoking in appearance or smell. According to medical specialists, this belief is one of the key reasons why e-cigarette use has increased rapidly among adolescents, despite growing evidence of its health risks.<\/p>

Dr Prabhu Prasad N.C. explained that a significant number of young users tend to assume that vaping is little more than inhaling harmless vapor, often describing it as \u201cflavoured air\u201d or \u201cwater vapour.\u201d However, he stressed that this perception is scientifically inaccurate and potentially dangerous. In reality, the aerosol produced by vaping devices is a complex mixture that can include nicotine, chemical solvents, various flavouring agents, ultrafine particles, and even traces of heavy metals that may originate from the device\u2019s heating components. In addition, chemical reactions that occur during the heating process can generate toxic byproducts, which are then inhaled directly into the lungs.<\/p>

He further clarified that although vaping may not produce the strong odour associated with burning tobacco, it still exposes the respiratory system to a range of harmful substances. This exposure can irritate lung tissue and, over time, may contribute to inflammation, reduced lung function, and other respiratory complications. Doctors emphasize that the absence of smoke or smell does not equate to safety, and this misconception is one of the most challenging barriers in public health education efforts.<\/p>

Dr Yazeed Abed El Khaleq added that many adolescent patients he encounters are unaware of the addictive potential and long-term health consequences associated with vaping and newer nicotine delivery systems. He noted that this lack of awareness often leads young people to experiment without fully understanding what they are inhaling or how quickly dependency can develop.<\/p>

According to him, there is a pressing need for more effective public health campaigns aimed at both young people and their families. These campaigns should focus not only on discouraging initiation but also on clearly explaining the risks of addiction, respiratory damage, and possible long-term effects on overall health. He emphasized that prevention through education is far more effective than treating addiction after it has already developed.<\/p>

Both doctors agree that the appeal of vaping among youth is strongly influenced by its presentation and marketing. Flavours, packaging design, and social media exposure all play a significant role in making these products attractive to younger audiences. Unlike traditional tobacco products, which are often subject to strict advertising restrictions, vaping products have in some cases been promoted in ways that are more visible and appealing to adolescents.<\/p>

Dr Yazeed pointed out that regulatory oversight of these products is still evolving in many regions, which allows marketing strategies to reach young audiences through indirect channels. He explained that such exposure encourages experimentation, particularly when teenagers see vaping being portrayed as trendy, harmless, or socially accepted in digital spaces.<\/p>

Dr Prabhu further elaborated that the availability of sweet and appealing flavours such as fruit, mint, candy, dessert-inspired blends, and even energy drink-style options plays a major role in reducing the perceived harshness of nicotine. For first-time users, these flavours can mask the natural irritation associated with nicotine inhalation, making the initial experience smoother and less intimidating. This, in turn, increases the likelihood of repeated use and eventual dependence.<\/p>

He also noted that the design of vaping devices contributes to their popularity among younger users. Many products are compact, stylish, and visually appealing, resembling modern lifestyle accessories rather than medical or nicotine delivery tools. This design approach can make vaping appear less like a health risk and more like a fashionable habit or personal expression.<\/p>

In addition to product design, social media has significantly amplified the normalization of vaping among adolescents. Both doctors highlighted that platforms featuring short videos, influencer content, and peer-shared posts often showcase vaping in casual or entertaining contexts. These may include tricks involving vapor clouds, group usage among friends, or aesthetic presentations that frame vaping as part of a desirable lifestyle.<\/p>

Dr Prabhu warned that such online content can distort perception, especially among impressionable teenagers who may interpret vaping as fashionable, harmless, or even sophisticated. He explained that repeated exposure to such imagery can gradually reshape attitudes, making nicotine use seem like a normal part of social interaction rather than a health risk.<\/p>

However, behind this carefully curated online image, he emphasized, lies a more serious reality. Many of these products are specifically engineered to deliver nicotine efficiently into the body, reinforcing dependence and encouraging repeated use. The combination of appealing flavours, discreet device design, and targeted social media visibility creates a powerful cycle that increases the likelihood of continued consumption.<\/p>

Doctors stressed that breaking this cycle requires not only regulation and enforcement but also sustained education efforts that address the psychological and social factors influencing young users. They believe that awareness programs should clearly communicate that vaping is not a harmless trend, but a form of nicotine consumption with real biological effects on the developing body and brain.<\/p>

Ultimately, both specialists reiterated that the perception of vaping as safe or \u201cclean\u201d is misleading. While it may not resemble traditional smoking in appearance or smell, it still involves inhaling a mixture of potentially harmful chemicals that can affect respiratory health and contribute to addiction. They urged families, schools, and policymakers to work together to ensure that young people are equipped with accurate information before they are exposed to these products.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Health effects<\/h3>

Dr Prabhu explained that adolescents who vape often present with a range of respiratory issues, most commonly including persistent coughing, irritation in the throat, a feeling of tightness in the chest, wheezing, shortness of breath during physical activity, and a noticeable worsening of symptoms similar to asthma.<\/p>

He further noted that the impact of nicotine is not limited to the respiratory system alone. It can also interfere with several aspects of mental and emotional well-being. Young users may experience disrupted sleep patterns, heightened anxiety, mood fluctuations, reduced attention span, and difficulties with concentration in daily activities. According to him, some teenagers begin to show behavioral signs such as restlessness, irritability, frequent cravings, and a strong urge to use vaping devices shortly after waking up or even during school hours. These patterns are clear indicators that dependence may already be developing.<\/p>

Dr Prabhu also warned that vaping is sometimes mistakenly used by young people as a way to manage stress or emotional pressure. However, rather than reducing stress, it can contribute to a harmful cycle in which anxiety, craving, and withdrawal symptoms reinforce one another over time. This can make the habit increasingly difficult to break.<\/p>

He emphasized that one of the most concerning aspects of nicotine addiction in adolescents is how quietly it can develop. \u201cThe danger is that addiction often builds up without the user immediately realizing it,\u201d he explained. A teenager may start by experimenting occasionally, perhaps in social settings with friends or during moments of academic or emotional stress. Over time, however, this occasional use can progress into regular consumption as the brain becomes accustomed to nicotine.<\/p>

As dependence strengthens, the individual may find it increasingly difficult to stop using vapes due to withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, low mood, and difficulty focusing. Cravings may become more frequent and intense, making abstinence challenging even when the user wants to quit.<\/p>

Dr Prabhu pointed out that by the time many young people recognize they have developed a dependency, the habit is already well established. At that stage, stopping vaping can require significant effort, structured support, and in some cases, medical or psychological intervention.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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What parents should watch for<\/h3>

Doctors in the UAE have warned that many parents are often unaware that their children are using vaping products, largely because these devices are compact, easy to conceal, and typically do not produce the strong, lingering smell associated with traditional cigarette smoke. Instead, any scent that may be present is often mild, sweet, or fruity, which further reduces suspicion and makes detection more difficult in a home environment.<\/p>

Dr Yazeed explained that identifying vaping habits in teenagers can be challenging for parents and caregivers because the usual indicators linked to smoking are far less obvious. Unlike cigarettes, which leave a distinct odour on clothing, breath, and surroundings, vaping devices tend to produce vapour that dissipates quickly and may carry only subtle flavours. This makes it easier for young users to hide their behaviour without drawing attention.<\/p>

He added that despite the discreet nature of these devices, there are still several behavioural and physical warning signs that parents should remain alert to. These may include noticeable changes in behaviour, such as increased secrecy, withdrawal from family interaction, or spending unusually long periods alone. Financial indicators can also be a clue, such as unexplained or excessive spending on small purchases or frequent requests for money without clear explanation.<\/p>

From a health perspective, Dr Yazeed highlighted symptoms such as a persistent cough, irritation in the respiratory system, and in some cases, a tendency to stay isolated in bedrooms for long periods. Physical signs may also include dry or irritated lips and the appearance of mouth sores, which can develop due to exposure to certain chemicals present in vaping aerosols.<\/p>

Dr Prabhu further expanded on the list of warning indicators that parents should take seriously. He noted that respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, reduced stamina during sports or physical activity, and shortness of breath can all be early signs of vaping-related issues. Teenagers may also frequently complain of throat discomfort or irritation without an obvious infection.<\/p>

He also pointed out behavioural and environmental clues that may suggest vaping use. These can include a noticeable increase in the use of breath mints, chewing gum, or mouth fresheners, often aimed at masking lingering flavours. Parents may also detect unusual sweet or fruity odours coming from a child\u2019s room, school bag, or clothing, which could be associated with flavored vaping liquids.<\/p>

In addition, Dr Prabhu warned that unfamiliar objects such as small electronic devices, cartridges, or refill pods may be found among personal belongings. These items are often designed to resemble everyday gadgets, making them easy to overlook unless specifically identified.<\/p>

Changes in daily routines can also be significant. Teenagers who are vaping may begin taking frequent breaks to visit the bathroom or step outside, often accompanied by increased secrecy around phone use and personal belongings. Emotional and psychological shifts may also occur, including heightened irritability, anxiety, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating on academic tasks.<\/p>

Teachers or parents may also notice a decline in school performance or a drop in participation in sports and other activities, which can be linked to reduced physical endurance and mental focus. According to doctors, these combined signs\u2014both physical and behavioural\u2014should not be ignored, as they may collectively point toward nicotine use or dependency.<\/p>

Healthcare professionals stress that early awareness and open communication within families are crucial in addressing the issue. They encourage parents to approach concerns calmly and supportively rather than punitively, as teenagers are more likely to respond positively when they feel understood rather than judged.<\/p>

Ultimately, doctors emphasize that while vaping devices are designed to be discreet, there are still multiple subtle indicators that can help parents identify potential use. Recognizing these signs early can play an important role in preventing long-term nicotine addiction and protecting adolescent health.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Medical professionals in the UAE are warning teenagers about the significant and potentially fatal health consequences associated with vaping, urging young people to understand the serious risks and avoid using such products.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":43217,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"pmpro_default_level":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"post_template":[],"top_category":[],"class_list":["post-43216","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uae","pmpro-has-access"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43216","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=43216"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43216\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43224,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43216\/revisions\/43224"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/43217"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43216"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43216"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43216"},{"taxonomy":"post_template","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_template?post=43216"},{"taxonomy":"top_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/top_category?post=43216"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}