Vaping Side Effects: Beyond Dry Mouth – What You Risk by Vaping Too Much

Vaping has been marketed as a healthier alternative to smoking¹Public Health England, “E-cigarettes around 95% less harmful than tobacco estimates landmark review,” GOV.UK, Aug. 18, 2015. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/e-cigarettes-around-95-less-harmful-than-tobacco-estimates-landmark-review, but is it really harmless? As the long-term effects of vaping remain shrouded in mystery, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that this trendy habit comes with its own set of baggage. In this no-holds-barred exposé, we’ll dive deeper into the potential side effects of vaping excessively and arm you with the knowledge to minimize them.

The Usual Suspects: Common Vaping Side Effects

1. Dry Mouth: Let’s kick things off with the most popular kid on the block – dry mouth. This parched sensation is brought to you by none other than propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), the dynamic duo that makes up most e-liquids²P. Olmedo et al., “Metal Concentrations in e-Cigarette Liquid and Aerosol Samples: The Contribution of Metallic Coils,” Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 126, no. 2, p. 027010, Feb. 2018, doi: https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp2175. To give dry mouth the boot, chug that water and opt for e-liquids with a higher VG ratio.
2. Vaper’s Tongue: Picture this – you’re ready to savor your go-to vape juice, but suddenly, your taste buds go on strike. That, my friend, is vaper’s tongue. This flavor-zapping condition is often temporary and can be triggered by dehydration, vaping like there’s no tomorrow, or getting too cozy with one flavor³P. Olmedo et al., “Metal Concentrations in e-Cigarette Liquid and Aerosol Samples: The Contribution of Metallic Coils,” Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 126, no. 2, p. 027010, Feb. 2018, doi: https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp2175. Let me tell you about my first run-in with vaper’s tongue. I thought I had some funky juice or a coil that had kicked the bucket. I was this close to giving the product a scathing review for not living up to its flavor-packed promises. But then, I had a lightbulb moment. I set the device aside, took a breather, and came back with a fresh pod of new vape juice. Lo and behold, the flavor was back and packing a punch! Oh, and I gave my pearly whites a good brush during that break, which I’m pretty sure helped wake up my taste buds and hit the reset button on my palate. To keep your taste buds happy, stay hydrated, switch up your e-liquid flavors, and take a breather from vaping now and then.
3. Throat and Upper Respiratory Irritation: Some vapers might find themselves in a bit of a throat tickle or respiratory rumble. The culprits? High-octane nicotine, PG, certain flavorings, or even an allergic reaction to nickel in some coils⁴C. A. Hess, P. Olmedo, A. Navas-Acien, W. Goessler, J. E. Cohen, and A. M. Rule, “E-cigarettes as a source of toxic and potentially carcinogenic metals,” Environmental Research, vol. 152, pp. 221–225, Jan. 2017, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2016.09.026. If you’re caught in this predicament, try dialing down your nicotine strength, pledging allegiance to higher VG e-liquids, steering clear of irritants like cinnamaldehyde, or swapping out your coil for a different material.
4. Coughing: Ah, the newbie vaper’s nemesis – coughing. This pesky side effect is especially common for those transitioning from smoking to vaping. The root cause? The difference in inhalation technique between the two. Experiment with different inhalation methods (mouth-to-lung for a tighter draw or direct-lung for a looser draw) and fine-tune your vaping device settings until you find your sweet spot.
5. Headaches: Quitting smoking or vaping while dehydrated can lead to an unwelcome guest – headaches⁵P. Chaturvedi, A. Mishra, S. Datta, S. Sinukumar, P. Joshi, and A. Garg, “Harmful effects of nicotine,” Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology, vol. 36, no. 1, pp. 24–31, 2015, doi: https://doi.org/10.4103/0971-5851.151771. Nicotine withdrawal is a notorious headache instigator for those making the switch from smoking to vaping, as tobacco packs other alkaloids that can contribute to the side effects. To keep headaches at bay, stay hydrated and gradually ease off the nicotine strength.
6. Dizziness or Headrush: Remember that lightheaded feeling when you took your first drag of a cigarette? Well, vaping can trigger a similar sensation, especially if you’re hitting the high-nicotine juices⁶P. Chaturvedi, A. Mishra, S. Datta, S. Sinukumar, P. Joshi, and A. Garg, “Harmful effects of nicotine,” Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology, vol. 36, no. 1, pp. 24–31, 2015, doi: https://doi.org/10.4103/0971-5851.151771. As someone who usually sticks to a modest 2% nicotine strength but often finds myself playing the role of a vape reviewer, tackling those 5% nicotine disposables, I’ve had my fair share of headrushes and dizzy spells courtesy of the nicotine overload. My secret to survival? Taking it slow and steady, and penciling in regular vape breaks while putting these devices through their paces. If you’re looking to dive deeper into the world of nicotine buzz, we’ve got a whole article dedicated to the topic. It’s a must-read for anyone trying to wrap their head around why too much nicotine can leave you feeling like you’ve just hopped off a merry-go-round. To avoid feeling like you’re on a spinning teacup ride, take slower, more controlled puffs, give yourself some breathing room between each one, dial back the nicotine strength, or give nicotine-free e-liquids a whirl.
7. Weight Changes: Nicotine, the star of the vaping show, is known for its appetite-suppressing powers, which might lead to some unexpected weight loss⁷T. B. Mason, A. P. Tackett, C. A. Smith, and A. M. Leventhal, “Tobacco product use for weight control as an eating disorder behavior: Recommendations for future clinical and public health research,” vol. 55, no. 3, pp. 313–317, Dec. 2021, doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23651. But don’t get too excited – this effect is usually short-lived, and your appetite will likely bounce back once your body adjusts to the nicotine. If you notice prolonged appetite suppression or significant weight fluctuations, it’s time to have a heart-to-heart with your healthcare professional.
8. Fatigue: Feeling a bit sluggish after a vaping session? You might be experiencing the “comedown” from nicotine’s stimulant effect⁸P. Chaturvedi, A. Mishra, S. Datta, S. Sinukumar, P. Joshi, and A. Garg, “Harmful effects of nicotine,” Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology, vol. 36, no. 1, pp. 24–31, 2015, doi: https://doi.org/10.4103/0971-5851.151771. It’s like the “caffeine crash” coffee drinkers know all too well. To minimize this side effect, try cutting back on your nicotine strength or taking breaks from vaping throughout the day.
9. Chest Pain: Chest pain is no laughing matter, and if you experience it while vaping, it’s time to sit up and take notice. Culprits could include lung and throat irritation, sky-high nicotine strength, cranking up the vaping temperature, or certain flavorings like cinnamaldehyde ⁹P. W. Clapp et al., “Flavored e-cigarette liquids and cinnamaldehyde impair respiratory innate immune cell function,” American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology, vol. 313, no. 2, pp. L278–L292, Aug. 2017, doi: https://doi.org/10.1152/ajplung.00452.2016. If the chest pain persists, put down the vape and seek medical advice pronto. Tweaking your vaping habits, e-liquid composition, nicotine strength, wattage, and temperature might help alleviate the discomfort.
10. Nausea: Feeling a bit green around the gills after vaping? Nicotine could be the culprit, much like the side effects of nicotine gums and patches. If the queasiness persists or has you running for the bathroom, it’s time to get some professional medical advice.

The Nicotine Trap: Addiction and Withdrawal

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – nicotine addiction. Nicotine is highly addictive, and quitting vaping can lead to some pretty unpleasant withdrawal symptoms¹⁰P. Chaturvedi, A. Mishra, S. Datta, S. Sinukumar, P. Joshi, and A. Garg, “Harmful effects of nicotine,” Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology, vol. 36, no. 1, pp. 24–31, 2015, doi: https://doi.org/10.4103/0971-5851.151771. We’re talking irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and even sleep disturbances. It’s like your brain is throwing a temper tantrum because it’s not getting its nicotine fix. And let’s not forget about the cravings – those pesky urges that can make you want to reach for your vape faster than you can say “e-liquid.” If you find yourself struggling to kick the vaping habit, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Your healthcare professional can provide guidance and support to help you break free from nicotine’s clutches.

The Heavy Hitters: Serious Side Effects

While most vaping side effects are relatively minor, there have been some rare but serious cases of lung illnesses¹¹CDC, “Outbreak of Severe Pulmonary Disease Linked with E-cigarette Product Use,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Feb. 25, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html linked to the use of unlicensed cannabis vape products. It’s important to note that these cases were traced back to products from unregulated sources, not legitimate, licensed vendors. These unregulated products may contain harmful substances not found in their regulated counterparts¹²CDC, “Outbreak of Severe Pulmonary Disease Linked with E-cigarette Product Use,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Feb. 25, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html. To date, there haven’t been any reported cases of severe illness among vapers who stick with products from reputable suppliers.

The Long Game: Potential Long-Term Effects

As the vaping industry is still in its infancy, the long-term effects of vaping remain a bit of a mystery. However, some studies suggest that vaping can irritate the lungs and weaken the immune system, potentially making the body more susceptible to infections¹³D. Canistro et al., “E-cigarettes induce toxicological effects that can raise the cancer risk,” Scientific Reports, vol. 7, no. 1, May 2017, doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-02317-8¹⁴F. B. Boudi, S. Patel, A. Boudi, and C. Chan, “Vitamin E Acetate as a Plausible Cause of Acute Vaping-related Illness,” Cureus, vol. 11, no. 12, Dec. 2019, doi: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.6350. While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term impact of vaping, it’s always a good idea to stay informed and keep an eye out for any new developments in the world of vaping science.

Minimizing Side Effects: Your Vaping Survival Guide

To reduce the likelihood and severity of vaping-related side effects, keep these tips in your back pocket:

1. Hydration is key: Guzzle that water to keep dry mouth and vaper’s tongue at bay.
2. E-liquid mixology: Experiment with different PG/VG ratios and nicotine strengths to find your perfect blend that minimizes throat irritation.
3. Pace yourself: Give yourself some breathing room between puffs to avoid lightheadedness and hyperventilation.
4. Keep tabs on your appetite and weight: If you notice prolonged appetite suppression or significant weight fluctuations, it’s time to have a chat with your healthcare professional.
5. Tweak your vaping habits: Experiencing chest pain or other discomforting side effects? Try adjusting your vaping habits, e-liquid composition, nicotine strength, wattage, and temperature.
6. Stick with the good guys: Only purchase vaping devices and e-liquids from legitimate, licensed vendors to ensure product safety and quality.
7. Nicotine pouches – the underdog: If you’re ready to bid farewell to vaping but still want to manage your nicotine cravings, nicotine pouches can swoop in and save the day, offering nicotine, flavor, and an oral fixation without the potential side effects of vaping.

Weighing the Risks:

While vaping may be the lesser of two evils when compared to smoking, it’s not exactly a saint. Most side effects associated with vaping are relatively mild and can be managed by staying hydrated, adjusting vaping habits, and sticking with reputable products. However, if you find yourself in a pickle with persistent or worsening symptoms, it’s time to call in the big guns – your healthcare professional.

At the end of the day, vaping is more of a harm reduction tool than a one-way ticket to perfect health. As the long-term effects of vaping are still unfolding, it’s crucial to stay in the loop about the potential risks and use your vaping devices responsibly. By understanding the possible side effects and taking steps to minimize them, you can make informed decisions about your health and well-being. So, go forth and vape – but do so with your eyes wide open.

Sources

• 1
  Public Health England, “E-cigarettes around 95% less harmful than tobacco estimates landmark review,” GOV.UK, Aug. 18, 2015. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/e-cigarettes-around-95-less-harmful-than-tobacco-estimates-landmark-review
• 2
  P. Olmedo et al., “Metal Concentrations in e-Cigarette Liquid and Aerosol Samples: The Contribution of Metallic Coils,” Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 126, no. 2, p. 027010, Feb. 2018, doi: https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp2175
• 3
  P. Olmedo et al., “Metal Concentrations in e-Cigarette Liquid and Aerosol Samples: The Contribution of Metallic Coils,” Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 126, no. 2, p. 027010, Feb. 2018, doi: https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp2175
• 4
  C. A. Hess, P. Olmedo, A. Navas-Acien, W. Goessler, J. E. Cohen, and A. M. Rule, “E-cigarettes as a source of toxic and potentially carcinogenic metals,” Environmental Research, vol. 152, pp. 221–225, Jan. 2017, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2016.09.026
• 5
  P. Chaturvedi, A. Mishra, S. Datta, S. Sinukumar, P. Joshi, and A. Garg, “Harmful effects of nicotine,” Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology, vol. 36, no. 1, pp. 24–31, 2015, doi: https://doi.org/10.4103/0971-5851.151771
• 6
  P. Chaturvedi, A. Mishra, S. Datta, S. Sinukumar, P. Joshi, and A. Garg, “Harmful effects of nicotine,” Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology, vol. 36, no. 1, pp. 24–31, 2015, doi: https://doi.org/10.4103/0971-5851.151771
• 7
  T. B. Mason, A. P. Tackett, C. A. Smith, and A. M. Leventhal, “Tobacco product use for weight control as an eating disorder behavior: Recommendations for future clinical and public health research,” vol. 55, no. 3, pp. 313–317, Dec. 2021, doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23651
• 8
  P. Chaturvedi, A. Mishra, S. Datta, S. Sinukumar, P. Joshi, and A. Garg, “Harmful effects of nicotine,” Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology, vol. 36, no. 1, pp. 24–31, 2015, doi: https://doi.org/10.4103/0971-5851.151771
• 9
  P. W. Clapp et al., “Flavored e-cigarette liquids and cinnamaldehyde impair respiratory innate immune cell function,” American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology, vol. 313, no. 2, pp. L278–L292, Aug. 2017, doi: https://doi.org/10.1152/ajplung.00452.2016
• 10
  P. Chaturvedi, A. Mishra, S. Datta, S. Sinukumar, P. Joshi, and A. Garg, “Harmful effects of nicotine,” Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology, vol. 36, no. 1, pp. 24–31, 2015, doi: https://doi.org/10.4103/0971-5851.151771
• 11
  CDC, “Outbreak of Severe Pulmonary Disease Linked with E-cigarette Product Use,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Feb. 25, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html
• 12
  CDC, “Outbreak of Severe Pulmonary Disease Linked with E-cigarette Product Use,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Feb. 25, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html
• 13
  D. Canistro et al., “E-cigarettes induce toxicological effects that can raise the cancer risk,” Scientific Reports, vol. 7, no. 1, May 2017, doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-02317-8
• 14
  F. B. Boudi, S. Patel, A. Boudi, and C. Chan, “Vitamin E Acetate as a Plausible Cause of Acute Vaping-related Illness,” Cureus, vol. 11, no. 12, Dec. 2019, doi: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.6350