Vaping involves inhaling an aerosol created by an electronic device that heats a liquid solution. These devices are often perceived as a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes. Ulcers are sores or lesions that heal slowly and can develop in various parts of the body. They commonly occur on the lining of the stomach, known as peptic ulcers, or within the mouth.
How Nicotine Contributes to Peptic Ulcers
The nicotine in most vaping liquids contributes to peptic ulcers by disrupting the natural balance between stomach acid and the protective mucosal lining. It stimulates an increase in gastric acid secretion, and this elevation in stomach acid can overwhelm the digestive tract’s defenses.
At the same time, nicotine undermines the stomach’s protective mechanisms. It reduces the generation of prostaglandins, which are compounds that normally help shield the stomach lining by encouraging the secretion of protective mucus and bicarbonate. Without adequate prostaglandin levels, the gastric mucosa becomes more vulnerable to damage from acid. This chemical imbalance tilts the scales toward ulcer formation by simultaneously increasing harmful elements and weakening protective ones.
Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it narrows blood vessels, including those that supply the stomach lining. This reduced blood flow impairs the mucosa’s ability to receive oxygen and nutrients necessary for cell renewal and repair. A compromised blood supply slows the natural healing of minor erosions, making the stomach lining more susceptible to developing into a full ulcer.
Vaping’s Effect on Mouth Ulcers
Vaping’s impact on the oral cavity can lead to mouth ulcers, or canker sores. A primary contributor is dry mouth (xerostomia). One of the base chemicals in e-liquid, propylene glycol, and nicotine itself also reduce saliva flow. Saliva is essential for protecting the soft tissues of the mouth, and its reduction creates an environment where sores can easily develop.
Direct irritation from the aerosol is another significant factor. The heat from the vapor and chemicals in e-liquids, like flavorings and additives, can damage the sensitive tissues lining the mouth. This constant exposure can lead to inflammation and painful mouth ulcers. These oral sores are a direct consequence of contact irritation.
The chemical makeup of the e-liquid contributes to this irritation. Flavorings and other components in the aerosol can be abrasive to the oral mucosa. The constant inflammation caused by these chemicals can make the mouth more vulnerable to developing sores that may become chronic with continued vaping.
Influence on Gut Health and Inflammation
The consequences of vaping extend beyond the mouth and stomach, influencing the entire gastrointestinal system. Chemicals from the inhaled aerosol are absorbed into the bloodstream or swallowed, impacting the delicate balance of the gut microbiome. This community of microbes is integral to digestive health and immune function.
Components in e-liquids can alter this microbial balance, a condition called dysbiosis. Even nicotine-free e-liquids can trigger gut inflammation. The base chemicals, propylene glycol and vegetable glycerol, have been identified as causes of this inflammation when heated.
This alteration of the gut environment can lead to increased intestinal permeability, often referred to as “leaky gut.” When the gut barrier is compromised, microbes and other molecules can seep from the intestines into the bloodstream, triggering chronic, body-wide inflammation. This systemic inflammation makes an individual more susceptible to gastrointestinal problems, including ulcers. Chronic exposure to e-cigarette aerosol also increases the gut’s susceptibility to bacterial infections, further driving inflammation.