Youth vaping linked to pneumonia, asthma, migraines

Young people using vapes are at heightened risk of asthma, cough, injuries and poor mental health, according to a new international analysis.
 
While youth vaping is consistently linked to smoking, marijuana and alcohol use, research published in the BMJ Tobacco Control has revealed it can also lead to a long list of other consequences.
 
This also includes greater risk of pneumonia, bronchitis, headaches, migraines, dizziness or light-headedness, low sperm count, and poor oral health, the study says.
 
‘The findings support the implementation of policy measures to restrict sales and marketing of e-cigarettes to young people,’ the research concludes.
 
The analysis uncovered a ‘consistent and significant’ association between vaping and starting smoking, finding young people who vape are three times as likely to start smoking as those who do not.
 
It also found a ‘strong link’ between vaping and substance use, including marijuana, alcohol and binge drinking.
 
The study revealed asthma as the most common respiratory health outcome, with youths who vape facing an up to 36% heightened risk of being diagnosed.
 
‘The evidence supports policy measures to protect young people who do not smoke from the potential risks associated with vaping,’ the researchers said.
 
‘Such efforts may form part of a wider set of measures to restrict harms, including raising the public’s and young people’s awareness of these harms, and counter-marketing to raise public and policy awareness of the marketing and strategies that e-cigarette companies have targeted at children and young people.’
 
The new research comes as the latest Cancer Council Generation Vape research project, released last month, found young Australians are turning away from vaping, as well as cigarettes and nicotine pouches.
 
It found that between February 2023 and April 2025, among young people aged 14–17 years, vaping rates fell from 17.5% to 14.6%.
 
Currently, people 18 years and older can buy vapes from participating pharmacies with a nicotine concentration of 20 mg/mL or less without a prescription, where state and territory laws allow. 
 
Young people aged under 18 years need a prescription to access vapes.
 
Last year, the RACGP released its Supporting smoking and vaping cessation: A guide for health professionals, designed to offer expert guidance in the wake of rising vaping uptake and regulation changes.
 
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