Vapes and Popcorn Lungs: A Doctor’s Honest Take on E-Cigarettes
- Doctor Anywhere Team
- 16 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Over the past few years, e-cigarettes or “vapes” have become incredibly popular, especially among younger people. Marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, vaping is often seen as a “cleaner” habit, because of its fruity flavors and lack of that telltale cigarette smell. But is it really the healthier choice?
This National Lung Month, we sat down with Dr. Zetch Cruz-Ram, Medical Director of Doctor Anywhere Philippines, to talk about what vaping actually does to your lungs, the risks you might not know about, and her tips for anyone trying to quit.
What Is Vaping?
“Vaping is when someone uses an electronic device to heat a liquid, which usually contains nicotine—the same addictive substance found in cigarettes,” explains Dr. Z. “There are also other chemicals and flavorings in the liquid. That’s what makes the big, cloudy vapor you see when someone vapes.”
So is vaping any safer than smoking?
“It’s not. There’s still nicotine, which is addictive. And while there are no long-term studies yet, there have already been cases linking early death to vaping.”
What’s "Popcorn Lung" and How Is It Related to Vaping?
“Popcorn lung is the nickname for a rare condition called bronchiolitis obliterans,” says Dr. Z. “It damages the tiny airways in the lungs and can lead to breathing problems.”
Where does the name come from?
“It was first seen in workers at a popcorn factory who inhaled a chemical called diacetyl, used for buttery flavoring. Some vape liquids still contain this chemical. That’s why there’s concern about vaping—it’s not just the nicotine, it’s also the chemicals added for flavor.”
How Vaping Affects the Lungs
“Vaping can irritate and inflame the lungs. The chemicals in flavored vape liquids can actually cause more side effects than traditional cigarettes.”
She warns that this is especially dangerous for younger people, “The lungs are still developing. And nicotine also affects memory, attention, and mood.”
For long-time vapers, the risks can be more severe. “Some pulmonologists say it even gelatinizes your lungs. After the lungs expand, they deflate and start to resemble jelly. That’s why many chronic users experience shortness of breath.”
Want to Quit? Here's Dr. Z’s Honest Advice
If you’re vaping or using cigarettes and experience:
Persistent cough
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
...it’s time to stop immediately and see a doctor.
“Even if you're not vaping or smoking cigarettes but experiencing these symptoms, don’t wait. It could be something serious.”
Dr. Z also recommends starting with one question: Why do you want to stop?
“If you’ve heard of Simon Sinek’s book ‘Start With Why,’ that’s what I always tell patients. Whether it’s to be healthier for your kids or just to live longer, find your reason. That’s your motivation.” From there, follow these steps:
Set a quit date:
“Choose a date. Don’t cut back slowly. When you quit, quit cold turkey.”
Remove your triggers:
“If stress or certain people make you vape, find other ways to cope—like dancing, music, or just walking away.”
Find support:
“Join a group or ask a friend or family member to quit with you. It helps to have someone going through the same thing.”
Dr. Zetch leaves us with this powerful reminder, “If you love yourself, find a better way. Vape flavors and smoke might feel like comfort, but long-term, they’re harming your lungs and your life. You deserve better.”
Vaping may look harmless, but the risks are real. This National Lung Month, make it a goal to prioritize your lung health, whether by quitting a habit, or simply helping a friend make better choices, and proactively taking charge of your health.
If you're having breathing problems or want to speak with a doctor about quitting smoking or vaping, you can video consult a licensed doctor anytime on the Doctor Anywhere app. Our general practitioners are available 24/7, even on weekends and holidays, with an average waiting time of less than five minutes. You can also book appointments with our specialists, including pulmonologists, and mental health experts, all from the comfort of your home.
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Sources:
1. Dr. Cruz-Ram, Zetch. Interviewed on 22 July 2025.
4. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/popcorn-lung-what-is-it-and-who-is-at-risk
ABOUT THE EXPERT
Dr. Zetch Cruz-Ram, MD FPCOM, is a fellow in occupational medicine and the Medical Director at Doctor Anywhere Philippines. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Our Lady of Fatima University and is a certified LOMA underwriter. With over 19 years of experience in medical administration, health insurance, and healthcare operations, Dr. Z has expanded her expertise beyond traditional medicine by completing R Programming for Data Science at Johns Hopkins University on Coursera and AI in Healthcare Specialization at Stanford University on Coursera. She's passionate about using technology and data-driven solutions to streamline healthcare processes and enhance patient experiences.
Currently pursuing studies in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Master Practitioner and The Complete AI Guide on Udemy, she's always learning and staying at the forefront of both mental health care and healthcare technology. Before joining Doctor Anywhere, she was the Medical Director and Head of Medical Services at InLife Health Care. Outside of work, Doc Z is a total BTS superfan (yes, she's ARMY!) and an amazing dancer - proving that even healthcare leaders know how to have fun and stay balanced!
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