A 17-year-old high school student, known as Nada, experienced a health scare that shed light on the growing issue of vaping among students in the UAE. Suffering from symptoms such as breathlessness and chest discomfort, Nada sought medical attention, revealing her two-year vaping habit.
“An assessment had revealed early signs of cardiovascular dysfunction,” said in a Khaleej Times report by Dr. Karim Ghannem, a Specialist Interventional Cardiologist. He emphasized the importance of quitting vaping to avoid further health issues.
The prevalence of vaping among young people in the UAE has been identified as a public health crisis, with doctors and educators raising concerns about its impact. A study titled ‘The era of e-cigarettes’ highlighted that a majority of e-cigarette users in the UAE believe they are less harmful than tobacco cigarettes, with many using them as a means to quit smoking.
Dr. Ghannem pointed out the risks associated with vaping, including cardiovascular diseases and respiratory issues. Dr. Emad Al Nemnem, a Consultant and Head of Pulmonary Diseases, stressed the effect of nicotine on brain development and the increased risk of future smoking among teenagers.
Efforts are being made to combat the issue, including student-led awareness campaigns. Riya Ananthanpillai, a Grade 12 student, developed an educational module on the negative effects of vaping, which has been positively received and is being rolled out to other schools.
In response to the crisis, the UAE has enforced regulations prohibiting the sale of vaping products to individuals under 18, aiming to curb underage vaping. Educators are also taking steps to identify and address vaping among students, emphasizing the importance of awareness and support in tackling this challenge.