Thai Youth Vaping Surges, Officials Warn of Six Serious Diseases
Thai health officials warn that e‑cigarette use among children and teenagers is soaring, with nicotine damaging developing brains and raising the risk of six serious diseases. Easy access via social media, appealing designs and flavored liquids are fueling the trend, reflected in a 5.3‑fold increase in vaping among 13‑ to 15‑year‑olds and an elevenfold jump in overall users between 2021 and 2024. Experts urge parents and youth to seek motivation, set quit dates and act now to avoid long‑term harm.
Health experts say nicotine in e‑cigarette liquids harms the still‑developing brains of adolescents, affecting attention, learning and impulse control. Common symptoms include irritability, poor memory, mood swings, headaches, short attention spans and depression. Nicotine also alters dopamine pathways, leading to addiction and raising the likelihood of other substance use.
The article lists six serious conditions linked to early vaping: respiratory problems such as chronic cough and wheezing that may progress to asthma or COPD; increased cancer risk, especially lung and oral cancers; weakened immune system making infections more likely and slowing recovery; cardiovascular issues including hardened arteries, heart disease, irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure; neurological effects like dizziness, headaches, insomnia, memory loss and difficulty concentrating; and gastrointestinal troubles such as stomach ulcers, nausea, acid reflux and potential cancer development.
To help quit, the piece recommends finding personal motivation—whether for better health, loved ones or saving money—choosing a meaningful quit date such as a birthday or New Year’s Day, and using that date as a gift to oneself and family.
