No, it is only a misconception that vaping results in pneumonia. As electronic cigarette e liquids contain substances like Propylene Glycol, Vegetable Glycerine and flavourings, it might appear as if electronic cigarettes contribute to pneumonia. To prove e-cigarettes are not related to pneumonia, it is important to understand how the disease spreads in the first place.
Pneumonia is caused by micro organisms or irritants. The infections are most commonly spread by organisms like bacteria and viruses. These infections are also sometimes spread by parasites, irritants and fungi. Pneumonia can be confirmed only after a series of tests that include chest X-rays and blood tests.
The most common symptoms of pneumonia are very similar to those of acute bronchitis. That's why it is important to confirm if you have pneumonia. Common symptoms of pneumonia include breathlessness, fever, sweating, shivering, chest pain, rapid heart rate, and loss of appetite. Since you are breathing in vapour, it might seem as if the ingredients in the vapour act on the lungs and aggravate the condition.
Propylene Glycol is one of the main ingredients of e-liquids. This chemical is also used in dry ice and mouth wash. PG is also used to administer asthma medication. This indicates that PG is not a cause of pneumonia as it is not a lung irritant. PG and VG are known to be humectants. This means that they dry secretions instead of moistening them. That is why most vapers find that their throats dry up while vaping. PG is also known to kill some of the organisms responsible for pneumonia.
Vapers should however, be careful if they are prone to lung infections. It is important to discuss vaping options with a doctor before taking it up. If the e-liquid contains mineral oils, it could cause lipoid pneumonia. So far, doctors have not noticed any direct relation between using e-cigs and higher risks of pneumonia. In fact, doctors are glad to see many of their patients switching to electronic cigarettes from tobacco.
