Vaping involves inhaling an aerosol produced by heating a liquid, often called e-liquid. This practice can lead to a range of adverse health effects, from acute discomfort to severe systemic illness. The aerosol is not merely water vapor but a mixture of nicotine, solvents like propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, flavorings, and other chemical compounds. The severity of sickness depends on the liquid ingredients, the device used, and the user’s habits. Understanding the specific causes and symptoms is key to addressing the health impact of these products.
Common Immediate Symptoms and Causes
Many users experience immediate, short-term symptoms that are often dose-related or irritant effects. A common complaint is a “vaper’s cough” or throat irritation, which can stem from the hygroscopic nature of propylene glycol that absorbs moisture from the throat and airways. This drying effect can also contribute to a sensation of dehydration, prompting the user to drink more water.
Dizziness, light-headedness, and nausea are signs of nicotine sickness, occurring when the body absorbs more nicotine than it can comfortably process. Nicotine is a stimulant and toxin affecting the central nervous system, leading to symptoms like a rapid heart rate, headache, and upset stomach, sometimes progressing to vomiting in severe overdose cases. These effects are temporary but signal that the body has been overwhelmed by the concentration of the substance.
How E-Liquid Components Cause Sickness
The chemical makeup of the inhaled aerosol is directly responsible for causing sickness. High concentrations of nicotine, especially in newer salt-based formulations, allow for rapid absorption, which increases the likelihood of acute nicotine toxicity symptoms. Nicotine is highly addictive and acts on the body’s cardiovascular system, temporarily raising heart rate and blood pressure.
Flavoring chemicals, while approved for consumption in food, can become toxic when heated and inhaled. Diacetyl, a buttery flavoring agent, has been linked to bronchiolitis obliterans, which causes permanent scarring and narrowing of the small airways. Furthermore, the heating element can degrade and leach heavy metals like nickel, tin, and lead into the aerosol. Inhaling these ultrafine metal particles can lead to systemic toxicity and irritation of the respiratory system.
Severe Respiratory and Systemic Illness
Vaping can lead to severe, life-threatening conditions, most notably Vaping-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI). This acute inflammatory condition involves the lungs reacting violently to inhaled substances, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The outbreak of EVALI cases was strongly linked to the use of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing vape products that included Vitamin E acetate as a thickening agent.
Vitamin E acetate is problematic because, when inhaled, it coats the surfaces deep within the lungs, interfering with normal function. Beyond EVALI, long-term vaping is associated with a chronic inflammatory response that can exacerbate existing lung conditions like asthma or contribute to new ones, such as chronic bronchitis. The systemic effects extend to the heart, where constant nicotine stimulation can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, including elevated blood pressure and a faster heart rate.
Steps to Minimize Health Risks
To reduce the risk of sickness, users should take several precautions regarding product choice and usage habits.
Product and Usage Safety
- Monitor nicotine consumption and consider switching to lower concentration e-liquids if symptoms of nicotine sickness occur.
- Avoid all black market or unregulated vaping products, particularly those containing THC, where contaminants like Vitamin E acetate are often found.
- Never modify devices or add substances not explicitly intended for that specific product by the manufacturer.
- Choose products from licensed, reputable sellers and be aware of all listed ingredients to minimize exposure to harmful contaminants.
If a user experiences persistent symptoms like a worsening cough, chest pain, or unexplained fever, they should stop using the product immediately and seek medical attention. Openly discussing vaping habits with a healthcare provider allows for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.