The experience of feeling suddenly unwell immediately after using a vape is a common reaction often referred to as “nic sick.” This negative physical response signals that the body has been exposed to more inhaled chemicals than it can comfortably process. Understanding this acute sickness involves separating the effects of nicotine from the localized irritation caused by the aerosol’s base liquids and flavorings. User technique can worsen these effects, making it important to recognize when to seek medical help.
The Primary Culprit: Nicotine Overdose
The most frequent cause of immediate sickness is a rapid influx of nicotine into the bloodstream, essentially a mild, acute nicotine overdose. Nicotine is a potent stimulant that acts on the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system. When inhaled, the nicotine is quickly absorbed through the large surface area of the lungs, causing an almost immediate spike in blood concentration.
Vaping devices, especially those using nicotine salts, deliver nicotine with exceptional speed and efficiency. Nicotine salts are chemically modified, allowing for much higher concentrations to be inhaled without the harsh “throat hit” typical of traditional freebase nicotine. This smoothness encourages deeper inhalation and higher consumption, leading to faster delivery than the body is accustomed to processing. The rapid stimulation of the nervous system can trigger symptoms like clammy skin, a sudden headache, and an increase in heart rate (tachycardia).
The body attempts to counteract this sudden toxicity, primarily through the digestive tract, resulting in intense nausea and sometimes vomiting. Nicotine acts as a toxin in high doses, and the body’s natural response is to expel it. Physical signs, including lightheadedness and mild tremors, indicate the nervous system is temporarily overwhelmed by the quick, high dose of the stimulant. The severity of these symptoms is directly related to the concentration of nicotine in the e-liquid and how frequently it is inhaled.
Irritation from Base Liquids and Flavorings
Sickness not directly caused by nicotine toxicity can stem from the non-nicotine components of the e-liquid, specifically the base liquids and flavorings. Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG) form the bulk of the liquid and create the visible vapor. Propylene glycol, a common base, is a hygroscopic substance, meaning it actively draws moisture from its surroundings.
When PG is inhaled, it absorbs water from the mucous membranes in the mouth, throat, and lungs, leading to dryness and irritation. This can cause throat soreness, coughing, and systemic dehydration, which often manifests as headaches and generalized nausea. Continuous inhalation of PG can irritate the respiratory tract, mimicking the feeling of a mild respiratory illness.
Flavoring chemicals, while approved for consumption in food, may become respiratory irritants when heated and inhaled. Compounds like diacetyl (used for buttery flavors) and cinnamaldehyde (found in cinnamon liquids) have been linked to respiratory distress and inflammation. This localized irritation in the lungs and airways contributes to an overall feeling of sickness, distinct from systemic nicotine effects.
How Vaping Technique Exacerbates Sickness
User behavior and device settings can significantly amplify the negative effects of the e-liquid components. Taking too many puffs in quick succession, known as “chain vaping,” dramatically increases the rate of nicotine delivery, guaranteeing a rapid onset of overdose symptoms. This technique does not allow the body sufficient time to metabolize the absorbed nicotine, and continuous use subjects the base liquids to constant heat, which can lead to chemical breakdown.
Using a device at a wattage setting too high for the coil can overheat the e-liquid, forcing the base liquids to undergo thermal decomposition. This excessive heat generates toxic byproducts, such as formaldehyde, a known irritant and carcinogen. Furthermore, a “dry hit” occurs when the coil burns the wick due to inadequate liquid saturation. This instantly produces an extremely harsh, toxic vapor that causes immediate, intense coughing and a burning sensation, contributing to acute sickness.
When to Stop and When to Seek Medical Attention
If you begin to feel unwell while vaping, the immediate action should be to stop using the device, seek fresh air, and drink water. Hydrating helps counteract the dehydrating effects of propylene glycol and aids the body in processing the excess nicotine. Mild symptoms like nausea, lightheadedness, and a fast heartbeat should subside within a few hours as the body metabolizes the nicotine.
However, more severe and persistent symptoms require immediate medical attention, as they can indicate a serious level of toxicity or an underlying reaction. People with pre-existing conditions, such as asthma or heart issues, should be particularly cautious, as the irritants and stimulants in vapor can worsen their symptoms. Signs that must be treated as a medical emergency include:
- Seizures
- Persistent vomiting
- Severe and unrelieved heart palpitations
- Difficulty breathing
- Profound confusion