What are the side effects of vaping?

What are the side effects of vaping? Many people online tell me that vaping is 90% less harmful than smoking, but is that true? Although vaporizing e-cigarettes are not medical devices, they may have side effects for users. However, these side effects are not guaranteed. Due to the many variables in devices and e-liquids on the market, as well as differences in how often and how certain individuals vape, side effects are often situational rather than universal.

Currently, there is a severe lack of medical research and official investigations to reference the side effects of vaping, most of which focus on the overall health and vaping. To compensate for this and expand the range of firsthand experiences from vapor authors, Google keyword and search traffic data, along with health-related subforums on vaping forums, were used as general indicators of common side effects associated with vaping in 2018.

Dry Mouth

One of the most common side effects of vaping. Dry mouth is most related to the basic components of e-liquids: PG and VG (propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin). While higher ratios of PG are often reported to cause more dryness in the mouth, it is still common for 100% VG enthusiasts. The reason behind this seems counterintuitive. PG and VG are both humectants, which is why they are used in consumer products to keep things moist; but they are also hygroscopic, meaning they can absorb moisture.
If you are experiencing dry mouth, you can use oral hydration rinses, which ironically contain PG and VG, or you can drink more water. These two methods are usually the simplest ways to bring moisture back to your mouth. If you have persistent dry mouth, consult your oral health provider. Chronic dry mouth can be a symptom of dehydration and, if left untreated, can lead to serious oral health complications.

Sore Throat After Vaping

Sore throat or itchiness may be related to PG, flavorings, or even the coils used in the vaporizer. Some coils used for vaping are nickel-based, and users have reported that nickel allergies are not uncommon. Additionally, some online reports have found that sore throats are associated with high nicotine levels, especially when the propylene glycol content is high (50% or more).

If you think these issues are related to e-liquids, try a higher VG ratio, a new flavor, or lower nicotine concentration. If you are sure it is not the liquid or nicotine, it may be the type of coil used in your vaporizer. Check the specifications of your device to see if it has nickel coils or coils with nickel content, such as nickel-chromium (often listed as Ni 80). If there are no specific coil metals, replace it with one that clearly states it uses Kanthal or stainless steel - stainless steel may also contain nickel, but usually only 10%. If this does not seem to clear up the sore throat, schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Coughing and Smoking

Coughing issues often arise in new enthusiasts, even if they are former smokers or current smokers. Generally, coughing is caused by improper inhalation techniques. Just like high nicotine being directly inhaled or trying to smoke on a device with excessive airflow.

If you find yourself coughing when hit, check the airflow of the device without activating it (if your device has auto-draw, remove the cartridge or vapor chamber and use it without connecting to the battery). If it feels tight, like a coffee straw, it is meant for a mouth-to-lung style of smoking. If it feels like you are inhaling air through a milkshake straw, it is a direct lung device that needs to be inhaled directly into the lungs and exhaled immediately. It is strongly recommended to use direct lung devices with nicotine concentrations of 6mg/ml or lower.

Headaches and Vaping

If you recently quit smoking, headaches can occur. While you can still get nicotine from vaping, nicotine is not the only alkaloid in tobacco that has physiological effects on users, and stopping habitual use can lead to headaches. Nicotine is the primary alkaloid in tobacco, accounting for about 95% of the total alkaloid content, but tobacco smoke also contains other small alkaloids that are not found in e-liquids. These small tobacco alkaloids interact with nicotine and are believed to increase potential dependence. If you recently quit smoking and are vaping with nicotine, it is likely that the nicotine is initially insufficient to alleviate headaches, and you may be withdrawing from other chemicals and alkaloids found in tobacco.

If you are experiencing headaches and are not quitting smoking, you may be dehydrated. Headaches are a common symptom of dehydration. If you have noticed persistent dry mouth accompanying your headache, one treatment is to drink more water. But if that does not work, you should consult a medical professional.

Dizziness or Lightheadedness

Just like the feeling of smoking for the first time, feeling dizzy or lightheaded from vaping is not uncommon. Similar to smoking, this feeling usually stops showing itself the more you consume. This sensation is not typical of vaping in general, but rather of nicotine vaping - especially high nicotine.

If you are concerned about feeling dizzy or lightheaded, the best approach is to lower your nicotine or the amount you are vaping in a short period. If you do not want to reduce your consumption, it is likely to fade as your body becomes accustomed to nicotine.

Vaping Weight Loss/Gain

There is no evidence that vaping aids in weight loss, even with nicotine. This concern is not commonly found on forums, but it is certainly searched - possibly due to the side effects of over-the-counter NRTs (like nicotine gum and patches) stating that weight gain is possible with increased appetite.

Interestingly, nicotine is considered an appetite suppressant by many, especially in the context of smoking, but there is not much conclusive evidence that nicotine has weight loss effects. That said, nicotine is a stimulant, and other similar stimulants (like caffeine) are associated with increased metabolic rates and fat burning. However, burning fat and losing weight are not the same thing.

This is not to say that vaping cannot lead to weight loss, but it is certainly not considered a side effect. If someone does experience weight loss from vaping, a much simpler explanation might be that vaping is a calorie-free oral fixation. Many users have found that vaping sweet flavors reduces their cravings for sweets. On the other hand, if you stop vaping without a hand-to-mouth action, it is possible to replace that with calories, leading to weight gain.
Nausea from Vaping

If you feel nauseous from vaping, it may be due to the flavor of your e-juice or nicotine. Similar to the side effects of over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapies, such as gums and patches, feelings of stomach discomfort are also considered a common side effect.

If you notice that the feeling of nausea is not specific to a certain nicotine ratio, you are likely having some reaction to the specific e-juice you are using. If you feel this way and are relatively new to vaping, try reducing your consumption and/or trying to find a lower nicotine strength. Just as some people feel dizzy and lightheaded from inhaling nicotine, people also know that stomach issues can resolve themselves with increased use. If this feeling persists, it is best to consult your doctor about your concerns.

Fatigue from Vaping

Nicotine is a stimulant that paradoxically can increase both mental alertness and sedation. For some users, it is more of one than the other. It is conceivable that if you feel tired or fatigued from vaping, it may be similar to a caffeine crash. If you find yourself feeling drowsy, try lowering or increasing your nicotine strength, or even eliminating it altogether. The key is to find what works for you.

Chest Pain from Vaping

There can be various reasons for chest pain from vaping. Overheating, high nicotine, or even specific flavors in certain e-liquids may be the cause. Some users on vaping forums have reported that cinnamon-flavored liquids containing cinnamaldehyde can cause them chest pain. Regardless of the reason, chest pain is not trivial and may be a sign of a more serious health issue. If you are experiencing chest pain that seems to be a result of vaping, reduce the heat, lower your nicotine, or change your flavor. If this does not clarify, schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Vaping Side Effects

Many of the side effects produced by vaping are actually side effects of nicotine use. Many of the examples above share similarities with FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapies. Nevertheless, these side effects are quite specific to vaping itself. The key takeaway is that vapor is not a health product. However, when compared to smoking, if you are one of the millions who have switched to vaping from smoking, then the mild side effects of vaping should be compared to the absolute harms of smoking.