Experiencing chest pain after vaping, often referred to as “hitting a cart,” can be a concerning symptom. This discomfort should be taken seriously, as it may indicate various underlying issues. This article explores factors that could contribute to chest pain after vaping, ranging from immediate irritations to more serious health conditions.
Understanding Vaping and Its Components
“Hitting a cart” involves inhaling an aerosol produced by heating a liquid within a vape cartridge. These cartridges typically contain e-liquids or oils, distinct from harmless water vapor. The primary components usually include propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), which serve as base carriers and create the visible cloud.
E-liquids also contain flavorings, nicotine, or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in marijuana. Other additives may include Vitamin E acetate, heavy metals, and various carcinogens. When heated, these components form an aerosol of fine particles and gases inhaled into the lungs.
Common Causes of Chest Discomfort
Chest discomfort after vaping often stems from immediate, less severe reactions. Inhaling irritants like propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin can inflame airways and lung tissue. This irritation may manifest as a burning sensation or tightness in the chest, particularly for individuals with pre-existing respiratory sensitivities.
Using devices at higher wattages can also overheat the e-liquid, producing a harsher vapor that further irritates the throat and lungs. Persistent coughing, a common reaction, can strain chest muscles, resulting in musculoskeletal pain or soreness. Additionally, mild allergic reactions to specific flavorings or other vape liquid ingredients can cause irritation, leading to chest discomfort, coughing, or shortness of breath.
Serious Health Concerns Linked to Vaping
Chest pain from vaping can signal more serious health conditions. One is E-cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI), a severe respiratory illness. EVALI symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, fever, nausea, stomach pain, and chest pain. This condition is linked to widespread lung damage and can be life-threatening.
Vaping might also contribute to spontaneous pneumothorax, commonly known as a collapsed lung. This occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall, often due to the rupture of small air blisters on the lung surface. Vaping, similar to traditional smoking, is associated with an increased risk of these blisters bursting, particularly in younger individuals. Affected individuals often experience sharp chest or shoulder pain and sudden shortness of breath.
Vaping can affect the cardiovascular system, as nicotine acts as a stimulant that increases heart rate and blood pressure. These changes can lead to chest tightness or discomfort. Vaping aerosols contain various toxins and carcinogens that may contribute to cardiovascular issues over time. Nicotine and THC in vape products can also trigger or worsen anxiety and panic attacks, which often present with symptoms like chest tightness and a rapid heart rate, mimicking cardiac events.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Chest pain should never be disregarded, especially if it occurs after vaping. Seek medical attention if the chest pain is severe, worsening, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms. These warning signs include significant difficulty breathing, a persistent cough that does not improve, or a fever.
Other symptoms that warrant immediate medical evaluation are a rapid heart rate, dizziness, confusion, or bluish lips or fingers. Being honest with healthcare providers about vaping habits, including the types of products used, is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Relying on professional medical advice rather than self-diagnosis is important for managing health effectively. If any of these severe symptoms occur, contact emergency services or visit an emergency room immediately.