7 Signs of Vaping in Teens

Though they deem themselves safe, nicotine products can inhibit brain function in those under 25 years old. This means a child using these products can severely impact their development.

If you suspect your child may be partaking in vaping, there are symptoms that can help you identify teens engaging in risky behavior. Knowing the signs of vaping is essential to starting a conversation with your child. 

Keeping an eye out for vaping signs in your child can help you intervene quickly and efficiently. Continue reading for some of the most common signals your child is engaging in vaping. 

1. Strange Objects in Your Home

Keeping an eye out for unusual items around your home and in your teen’s room is a surefire way to find vaping products. Though you may not want to snoop through their belongings, you may notice these products strewn about when putting laundry away or cleaning up the kitchen.

Many of these products are marketed toward teenagers, so companies make them look “cool.” They can pass as pens or USB drives, meaning they blend in with other household items.

In some cases, companies have designed their products to look like watches to make them more inconspicuous. Quickly and subtlety investigating new items your teen brings home can help you identify hidden vaping devices.

2. New Health Symptoms

Whether you notice that your child has a sudden and persistent cough or chest pain, this can signify that they’re engaged in vaping. 

This is especially true in athletic children. Many who vape experience shortness of breath and chest pain, making breathing difficult. This can affect their athletic performance, making it hard to participate on the field.

Also, if your child has a persistent cough without congestion, this can indicate that they are inhaling vape smoke. The chemicals in the pod can cause throat irritation, meaning your child will cough to get rid of the itch.

Finally, nausea and vomiting are common in new vapers, as nicotine can restrict blood flow, causing stomach pain. However, those who are heavily dependent on their vape may experience nausea due to the frequent use.

3. Unfamiliar Smells

Though they have recently been banned, many nicotine pods are flavored to appeal to children and teenagers. Flavors like strawberry, mint, honey, and watermelon sound appealing to young teens instead of the regular, unsavory nicotine flavor.

If you notice a new, strange smell terminating from your child’s bedroom or clothing, it could be a sign that you’re teen is vaping. 

You may also detect vape smoke smells in their car or backpack, as some children may try to use their vapes in vehicles to avoid blowing smoke inside of the house. 

4. Behavioral Changes

As previously noted, vaping can inhibit brain function in children. This can lead to your child’s mood and emotions drastically changing.

If you’re once sweet, straight-A student is suddenly mouthing off and failing classes, it may be easy to chalk it up to growing up. However, when combined with other symptoms, you may find that vaping is the culprit.

Similarly, you may also notice that your teen has become more anxious, depressed, and secluded. Though every teenager has stressors because of school and extracurriculars, severe anxiety and depression out of nowhere are common with vaping.

Another one of the most typical vaping symptoms is a decrease in impulse control. Your child may make poor decisions due to the effects of nicotine on the brain.

It’s essential to have a conversation with your child to help them learn how to avoid drugs at school when they reach an appropriate age.  

5. Dry Throat and Mouth

If you notice that your child is consuming a significant amount of water or juice without an increase in exercise, this is a common vaping symptom.

Because vaping requires the user to inhale chemicals and unnatural substances, it can lead to a dry, scratchy throat and cotton mouth. This means your child will be consuming much more water than usual.

Similarly, if your child complains of mouth sores, this can be linked to vaping. A dry mouth can leave the inside of your cheeks more susceptible to painful and chronic sores inside the mouth. 

6. Weight Loss

As previously mentioned, your child may experience nausea and vomiting. This can lead to weight loss in your teenager.

Not only will it cause an upset stomach, but nicotine can also suppress appetites, meaning your child may not be as hungry as they usually are. If you notice a significant change in your child’s eating habits, it could be a sign that your teen is vaping. 

If you notice that your child is losing weight without embracing a healthy diet or exercise, you may want to have a conversation with them. Pay attention to how their clothing fits, as tighter shirts may start to look baggier.

7. New Lingo

Finally, if you notice that your teenager is using strange terms and unfamiliar language on their social media accounts or in text messages, you’ll want to look into them.

As with other fads, new lingo and terms have arisen because of the vaping trends. Paying attention to conversations your child has with friends, whether in person or online, can help you ensure your teenager is safe. 

Keep an eye out for these terms on your teenager’s accounts:

• Hit/Dab/Draw
• Juice
• Clouds
• Batt (Battery)
• Carts
• Nic Stick
• Pod
• Stealth Mode

If you notice these terms, they can clue you into whether or not your child is vaping. 

Keep an Eye Out for Signs of Vaping in Your Child

Knowing the signs of vaping can help you start a conversation with your teen. Though they will not be happy with your disapproval, they will thank you later in life when they can breathe easily. 

If you found this guide to the most common vaping symptoms informative, you’ll want to check out the rest of our website. You can find more essential health and wellness content to help you and your family live a healthy life.