Edición N°20 – Artículo 17
Efectos del vapeo en la salud física y mental de adolescentes en Ecuador
Effects of vaping on the physical and mental health of adolescents in Ecuador
Autoras: Ariana Michella Illaisaca Cárdenas, Susan Camila Quezada Cáceres (Unidad Educativa Particular Hermano Miguel de La Salle)
Resumen
El consumo de cigarrillos electrónicos o vapes ha tenido un alarmante incremento entre los adolescentes ecuatorianos, generando una tendencia que plantea serias preocupaciones para su salud. Es común que los jóvenes utilicen estos dispositivos bajo la idea errónea de que representan un menor riesgo que el cigarrillo tradicional, percepción que ha sido contradicha por diversos estudios científicos. Las investigaciones han demostrado que los cigarrillos electrónicos contienen múltiples sustancias químicas perjudiciales, incluyendo nicotina, la cual provoca adicción y produce efectos adversos observables en el desarrollo cerebral, así como en los sistemas cardiovascular y respiratorio de los jóvenes. A nivel físico, el consumo de cigarrillos electrónicos se asocia con problemas respiratorios y cardiovasculares, tales como EPOC, neumonía, asma, disnea, tos y fatiga. En el ámbito de la salud mental, puede desencadenar afecciones como ansiedad, depresión, estrés crónico y dificultades de concentración, lo que a su vez se relaciona con un bajo rendimiento académico.
El inicio del consumo de vape en adolescentes suele estar motivado por factores como la presión social, la publicidad engañosa y la fácil accesibilidad a estos productos. Para lograr una disminución efectiva del consumo, resulta fundamental implementar estrategias integrales de prevención y concienciación. Esto incluye educar a los jóvenes sobre los riesgos asociados al vapeo e involucrar a las familias y a las instituciones educativas en la promoción de estilos de vida saludables.
Además, es necesario aplicar normativas estrictas que regulen la venta y publicidad de estos productos, especialmente los dirigidos a menores. Del mismo modo, se debe ofrecer apoyo emocional a los adolescentes y crear entornos seguros que favorezcan la expresión personal y el desarrollo de habilidades para resistir la presión social.
Palabras clave: cigarrillo electrónico, vape, nicotina, adicción, salud.
Abstract
The consumption of electronic cigarettes or vapes has seen an alarming increase among Ecuadorian adolescents, generating a trend that poses serious health concerns. It is common for young people to use these devices under the misconception that they represent a lower risk than traditional cigarettes—a perception that has been contradicted by various scientific studies. Research has shown that electronic cigarettes contain multiple harmful chemical substances, including nicotine, which causes addiction and produces observable adverse effects on brain development, as well as on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems of young people. At the physical level, electronic cigarette use is associated with respiratory and cardiovascular problems such as COPD, pneumonia, asthma, dyspnea, cough, and fatigue. In the field of mental health, it can trigger conditions such as anxiety, depression, chronic stress, and concentration difficulties, which in turn are linked to poor academic performance.
The onset of vape consumption in adolescents is often motivated by factors such as peer pressure, misleading advertising, and easy accessibility to these products. To achieve an effective reduction in consumption, it is fundamental to implement comprehensive prevention and awareness strategies. This includes educating young people about the risks associated with vaping and involving families and educational institutions in the promotion of healthy lifestyles.
Furthermore, it is necessary to apply strict regulations governing the sale and advertising of these products, especially those aimed at minors. Likewise, emotional support must be offered to adolescents, creating safe environments that favor personal expression and the development of skills to resist peer pressure.
Keywords: electronic cigarette, vape, nicotine, addiction, health.
Edición N°20
Fecha de publicación: 13 marzo del 2026.
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