Horrifying simulation shows exactly what happens to your body when you vape

While decades of research are still needed to understand the ‘lifetime risks’ associated with vaping, a disturbing simulation has revealed what really happens to our bodies in the moments after we vape.

Vaping has increasingly become a huge part of everyday life, particularly among younger people, with colourful devices and endless flavours making it hard to miss.

E-cigarettes were initially introduced as a way to help smokers quit, but concerns have been raised about people who have never smoked taking up the dangerous habit.

While decades of research may be needed to fully understand the potential 'lifetime risks', according to Dr Rayyan Zafar who spoke with the Metro, a new simulation offers a disturbing glimpse at what could be happening inside our bodies in the moments after taking a puff.

Dr Zafar noted that the vapour may contain fine particles, metals, aldehydes, and chemicals that irritate or inflame the airways, which could cause side effects including a cough, dry mouth, sore throat, headaches, and nausea.

But a new YouTube video has shown exactly what happens when the chemicals from a vape enter the body, and the effects appear devastating.

Scientists are still yet to study the long-term effects associated with vaping. (Getty Stock Images)

During the video, shared by The Infographics Show, it shows how the chemicals target the lungs and create build up on the mucus and alveoli - two things the body needs for using oxygen in the body.

It is described as having a 'paralytic effect' on the lungs and the cilia, which can take weeks, or longer, to heal.

Furthermore, when cilia are damaged, the body is open to more infections and illnesses too.

One of the major concerns for vapes is that due to the flavours and styles, there's been huge interest from teenagers and under 18s.

More and more young people are taking up vaping. (Getty Stock Images)

According to Truth Initiative, a study found that 4.6 percent of middle school students (age 11-14) and 10 percent of high school students (age 14- 18) have said they have used e-cigarettes or vapes.

In the US, this equates to almost 2.13 million students, with a further 11.4 percent of middle school students and 29.9% of high school students reporting they use vapes daily.

And while the full dangers of long-term vaping is yet to be discovered, studies are beginning to identify the extent of the damage.

In a study published online in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine, researchers observed participants who were e-cig users and non-smokers to compare lung inflammation.

It was found that e-cigarettes were associated with lung inflammation and inflammatory lung disease, which, according to Very Well Health, can cause wheezing, breathing problems, and chest pain and tightness.