Short-term and long-term side effects of vaping range from temporary symptoms to those that remain for weeks, if not longer. Just like with smoking tobacco cigarettes, consuming cannabis, or, really, with any type of food or beverage intake, there is a point past which too much of something starts to affect the body.
Vaping is perfectly safe for most individuals if they do it correctly. They should also vape in moderation. Some use disposable vapes to control their consumption levels. That’s because vaping too much can have negative effects.
Here are the signs of vaping too much.
Sign #1: Lung Discomfort That Is Lasting
Lung discomfort can mean several things. Coughing a lot. Wheezing. Chest pain could be a sign of discomfort in the lungs. A shortness of breath is a symptom as well. If you’re experiencing anything like this, it’s a necessity to be checked out by a physician.
However, if they give you the all-clear, even simple discomfort, such as a dry cough, can indicate that you’re vaping too much. Unless a physician believes it to be serious, laying off your vape device for a few days to a week should completely resolve these symptoms.
Sign #2: You Have A Bad Lung Inflammation Response
When you vape, you bathe the lung tissue in the vape substance. An e-liquid can be fairly pure and clean but contains flavourings, additives, nicotine, and THC. As this is vaporized repeatedly into the lungs, it can cause an inflammatory response. A little bit of inflammation is natural.
However, chronic inflammation can be challenging for the body to respond to. It can be irritating to the lungs. If you notice feeling any irritation long-term and on days where you haven’t yet done any vaping, it could be a sign to back off for a bit.
Sign #3: Long-Term Effects Of Vaping Are Unknown
After a decade, no true long-term studies analyze what vaping does to the lungs or body. As vaping is so new to the mainstream consciousness, we have far more data around cannabis intake and tobacco cigarettes where it can be said, with certainty, the long-term consequences can range from smaller setbacks to life-threateningly serious ones.
Whether vaping is safe or not, anyone who says it is not safe in the long term does not have the data to back it up because it does not exist.
Sign #4: Popcorn Lung, AKA Bronchiolitis Obliterans (BO)
Popcorn lung is talked about like it’s a big threat to individuals who vape, but it is, in fact, extremely rare. Popcorn lung is a condition where the small airways of the lungs are damaged from the consumption of diacetyl. This food additive simulates the butter flavour in microwave popcorn, and that is also used in certain e-liquids.
Inhaling too much diacetyl can cause permanent scarring and popcorn lung. The primary symptom is difficulty breathing. Though the likelihood of developing popcorn lung is small, no lasting treatment exists.
Sign #5: Lipoid Pneumonia Is Also Rare
Lipoid pneumonia develops, unlike traditional pneumonia, when fatty acids enter the lungs, building immovable blocks of fat. This comes from the inhalation of oily substances, and the lungs naturally respond with inflammation in an attempt to combat it.
You end up with a chronic cough, shortness of breath, and coughing up blood or blood-tinged mucus. Any of this is a serious sign of ceasing vaping, at least temporarily, while the lungs heal independently. Depending on the body’s healing time, this can be an extended process in some people.
Sign #6: Vaping Too Much Does Not Cause Cancer
As there are no long-term studies on vaping and its relationship to cancer, it is unclear whether vaping causes cancer, but it is highly unlikely. While we do know that smoking tobacco is tied to cancer, vaping does not presently have any link. Vaping too much is likely to bring up other symptoms and issues, such as irritated lungs and cough.
Cancer does not have any symptoms you’re likely to see come up from vaping, although if you already have lung cancer or your lungs are weakened, vaping may not be something to do as it could weaken the lungs.
Sign #7: Discomfort and Uneasiness
For most people who start to get a cough from vaping, it’s not overly serious. After a little time spent not vaping, the lungs should return to normal and be alright. That said, the presence of blood or anything too severe should be evaluated by a physician.
If your lungs hurt, or if there’s chest pain or lung pain, if you have difficulty breathing, or if you have a cough that won’t go away, it’s important to be checked out by a physician to rule out more serious conditions. In rare cases, someone may wish to stop vaping to eliminate all signs and symptoms.