Should I Worry? The Potential Side Effects of Vaping
Whenever you put a substance in or on your body, it’s a good idea to understand the potential side effects. Despite all of the negative press associated with e-cigarettes, the short-term risks are well understood, and for the most part the side effects of vaping are mild and temporary. That’s not to say that vaping is completely harmless, and it’s far too early to make claims about the true long-term impact of electronic cigarettes.
Before we move any further, let me preface this article by saying that even though the short-term side effects of vaping are well documented, research is still being conducted and it will likely take years for the long-term effects of e-cigarettes to be fully understood. With that being said, the research thus far is clear – vaping is safer and significantly less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes.
What We Know So Far (Short-Term)
Much of what we know about the side effects of vaping comes from e-cigarette users themselves. A number of peer-reviewed research studies from Lynne Dawkins, Jean-Francios Etter and Konstantinos Farsalinos have outlined the reported side effects. In addition, numerous studies evaluating the effectiveness of e-cigarettes on smoking cessation have also covered the topic.
In short, mild side effects such as throat irritation and coughing were the most common issues. These weren’t the only problems users experienced, but it’s important to note that people who use vaping as a method to quit smoking may experience these, and other issues due to kicking tobacco. No matter what the cause, let’s discuss some potential vaping side effects – and solutions:
Common E-Cigarette Side Effects
Coughing – New users who are not accustomed to inhaling vaporized nicotine are likely to experience coughing while learning to use an electronic cigarette or vaporizer. This is definitely the most common side effect of vaping.
Research suggests that 20 to 30% of new users experience coughing while using an e-cigarette. The coughing is often caused by throat irritation due to nicotine and / or propylene glycol (PG) used within the e-liquid. Luckily, these symptoms usually dissipate after the user becomes accustomed to inhaling vapor.
Dehydration – A large percentage of vaping side effects are caused by dehydration, which should come as no surprise since 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Part of the reason that this is an issue for vapers is that two of the main ingredients used in e-liquid (propylene glycol (PG) and/or vegetable glycerin (VG)) are hygroscopic, meaning they absorb water. If you start vaping with a body that’s already dehydrated, it will add insult to injury and may result in:
- Dry mouth
- Scratchy or sore throat
- Itchy, dry eyes and skin
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
Headaches – Often caused by dehydration, headaches can also be a sign of an overexposure to nicotine. Many new vapers experience headaches, but just like coughing, the symptoms usually dissipate with time. Another possible cause is an allergic reaction to propylene glycol (PG) – see below.
Dizziness / Nausea – Although most users don’t experience this unpleasant side effect, vaping has been known to cause dizziness or nausea in some users. Once again, this could be caused by dehydration or a response to propylene glycol (PG), but an overexposure to nicotine is the most likely culprit.
Vaper’s Tongue – Another symptom that’s often related to dehydration is called “vaper’s tongue’. When your mouth and tongue are not sufficiently hydrated, your taste buds become dulled and you may experience the loss of some or all flavor. If dehydration isn’t the cause, you may have damaged taste buds due to smoking, which thankfully will resolve on its own after you’ve quit smoking for a sufficient amount of time – usually 4 to 6 weeks. More about vaper’s tongue →
Allergy or Sensitivity to Vaping
While an allergic reaction to PG or VG is certainly possible, chances are you have a mild sensitivity to one or both of these e-liquid ingredients. The fact is, PG and VG are found in everyday foods, medicines, soaps and cosmetics; and more than likely they would have already been diagnosed as allergens long before your choice to start vaping. Sensitivity to PG results in similar symptoms as dehydration (discussed above), while sensitivity to VG has been known to cause restricted breathing, chest congestion and an increase in phlegm production.
If you experience symptoms that point to a sensitivity, try choosing an e-liquid with lower amounts of PG or VG. If the problem persists, play with the mix until you a find level that works well for you – with little or no side effects. Serious reactions should be addressed immediately by a medical professional.
The Impact of Nicotine
Most people know that nicotine comes with a variety of health-related risks and side effects, but it’s certainly not as dangerous as many want you to believe. Nicotine is a mild stimulant similar to caffeine; and even though it’s certainly addicting, research suggests that e-cigarettes are less addictive than tobacco cigarettes. This is probably due to the fact that tobacco cigarettes are loaded with other chemicals, which contribute to their addictive qualities.
And despite the popular misconception – NICOTINE DOES NOT CAUSE CANCER. Numerous studies have proven this fact, and once again it’s the other toxic chemicals found in tobacco smoke that do the most harm. Nicotine has actually been shown to have some positive benefits, including: mood enhancement, appetite suppression, improved cognitive function and more.
With that being said, you should definitely be aware of the potential warning signs that you’re consuming too much nicotine:
- Anxiety
- Racing heart
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Ringing ears
- Nausea
- Insomnia
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s probably a good idea to put your e-cigarette down and take a break. Although a nicotine overdose is extremely unlikely, dealing with anxiety, headaches and nausea definitely isn’t fun.
Positive Effects of Vaping
We’ve already mentioned a few of the positive side effects associated with nicotine, but there are a number of other benefits that come from vaping itself; especially when a former smoker makes the switch to e-cigarettes. These are some of the reported benefits from Dr. Farsalinos’s survey of 19,000 vapers:
- Overall better physical health
- Weight loss
- Improved breathing
- Better stanima and endurance
- Improved sense of smell
- Heightened sexual performance
- Reduced cough
- Improvements in asthma & other diseases
In general, the side effects of vaping are often nuisances, rather than life altering or dangerous. If you’re a smoker looking to quit, the annoying effects are often short-lived and far outweigh the risk of continuing to use tobacco. Throw in all of the positive side effects and you should have plenty of reasons to kick the habit!
