Are my symptoms related to vaping? Help me thred ^.^

[Mike95]

Hi Guys, hope you can help...

I started vaping in November when I decided to quit smoking and went to try a mass manufactured brand that was available at my local shop. At first I found it very easy and easily switched to vaping from smoking and experienced no immediate symptoms. However, since late January, I have been having some of the following issues;

Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (constant) and,
What I can only describe as Delirium or a 'Foggy Brain' (google/wiki it) and,
pain under my ears and the feeling of pressure build up (almost as if I have been swimming).

When I look at it like this, it's difficult for me to see why vaping may cause these issues although there seems to be a fairly consistent relationship between when I vape and the severity of my symptoms.

If anyone thinks they can confirm my suspicions or give me some information that might be of hand then please reply. Anything may be of use! I would love someone to tell me I can continue to vape as it has changed my life for the better (despite feeling delirious and sick most of the time!)

Thanks
Mike

 

[Giraut]

Sounds unusual to me. You ought to see your doctor.

 

[Mike95]

I have and they think I have an inner ear infection called Labyrinthitis (excuse the spelling) and irritable bowel syndrome and put the odd delirious feeling down to stress. I can understand this although I dont feel they understand how related vaping and my symptoms seem to be. Symptoms become instantly more recognizable after vaping. Unfortunately I have started smoking in the past few weeks and have found my symptoms 'ease'.

 

[Giraut]

Vaporized juice does get into the inner ear. I haven't heard of ear infection due to vaping, but you could well be intolerant to PG, VG (unlikely), nicotine, or any of the flavorings in your juices.

The surefire way to know would be to quit vaping for a while and see if the symptoms return when you start again. Then after that, you could vape this and that liquid with one particular ingredient missing to find out what you may be intolerant to. I did that with my own tinnitus problem and isolated PG as the cause, but it took me a good long while to find out.

In any case, I wish you the best of luck resolving with your problem.

 

[djsvapour]

Do you know what is in your e-liquid?

"mass manufactured brand" sounds suspiciously like one of the companies that won't/refuse to reveal what is in their products... half the reason why the whole world of the e-cig is under threat.

You could have a problem with PG. You could have an issue with the flavourings... one of the biggest non-cig-a-like brands sells liquid which makes me feel terrible....

 

[Amraann]

Just my two cents...

It could be a pg allergy. But I suspect it is coincidence. I am not a Doctor. So take what I say with a grain of salt.

We have no way of knowing what ever life changes you have made. Maybe you switched certain brands of soaps or certain brands of food that you eat.
I suggest that you begin keeping a food diary. Also note the dish soap, laundry detergent and cleaners. While you also keep track of what e-liquid that you vape.

 

[DetraMental]

I had a problem with a company's juice (pre-filled cartridges) because they used pg only in their mix. I had every pg allergy out there. Since making my own juice I am now able to mix it at 50pg/50vg and no longer suffer those allergies or side effects. You have looked up pg side effects/allergies? It could very well be the culprit. I've never heard of anyone have vg problems. I hope you find out and please let us know!

 

[db13berry]

Cigarettes tend to mask symptoms. It is possible you had IBS prior to quitting but no symptoms. OR you could be sensitive to PG which can also cause IBS symptoms. The fog brain could be from less nicotine OR due to the ear problem (most likely). Inner ear problems could have also been masked by cigs. If no infection is present the only thing you can do is hold your nose and blow several times a day. It may take a few months to resolve, but it will. (Experience)

Im no doctor but I am a nurse.

Sent from my couch using Tapatalk.

 

[edyle]

Hi Guys, hope you can help...

I started vaping in November when I decided to quit smoking and went to try a mass manufactured brand that was available at my local shop. At first I found it very easy and easily switched to vaping from smoking and experienced no immediate symptoms. However, since late January, I have been having some of the following issues;

Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (constant) and,
What I can only describe as Delirium or a 'Foggy Brain' (google/wiki it) and,
pain under my ears and the feeling of pressure build up (almost as if I have been swimming).

When I look at it like this, it's difficult for me to see why vaping may cause these issues although there seems to be a fairly consistent relationship between when I vape and the severity of my symptoms.

If anyone thinks they can confirm my suspicions or give me some information that might be of hand then please reply. Anything may be of use! I would love someone to tell me I can continue to vape as it has changed my life for the better (despite feeling delirious and sick most of the time!)

Thanks
Mike

Maybe somebody else is using what you're using, but you seem to have made a point of not mentioning it.
Started vaping in November but the symptoms started late January. Obvious question is what if anything changed in January.
Nicotine strength. Could the symptoms be due to high nicotine.

Most important information is the hardware and liquid.

The pain under the ears and the delirium sound to me like serious kinds of symptoms warranting a doctor visit.

 

[AndriaD]

Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (constant) and,
What I can only describe as Delirium or a 'Foggy Brain' (google/wiki it) and,
pain under my ears and the feeling of pressure build up (almost as if I have been swimming).

You didn't say what nicotine level you're using... which may matter, as, to me, the 1st and 2nd symptoms sound like nicotine withdrawal. I suffer IBS myself, for many years, and I tend to the "constipation" end of that very-variable ailment; anytime I cut or drastically drop nicotine levels (as I've done with vaping) I have to struggle valiantly against constipation -- apple sauce, dbl fiber bread, beans, etc, and of course a LOT of water. I started out with 6mg, as that was the first pre-made nic level I could use without becoming nauseous. After quitting smoking, I found that I needed to use about 8mg in the daytime, and I've recently increased that to 9mg, to try and get this constipation back under some kind of control. True IBS also means you can't use laxatives or even stool softeners without inflicting grievous suffering on your entire intestinal tract; cramping, pain, nausea, etc, so the natural sources of insoluble fiber are your best bets, plus of course, LOTS! of water.

The foggy brain, lack of focus, always hit me very hard when I tried other methods of quitting; I've struggled with it a little with vaping, but since going to the 8mg, and now to the 9mg level, I seem to be able to focus a bit better, or it might be just that in 6wks, my body/brain has gotten more accustomed to the lower level of nicotine (lower than smoking).

It should probably be observed that both "gut problems" and "lack of focus" are symptoms of extreme stress; nicotine withdrawal may be the very definition of "extreme stress," and the cure for that type of stress, of course, is more nicotine.

As to the ear pain... might ought to see a doc about that one; it *might* be something related to vaping, but I've never seen it mentioned as a "standard" problem associated with vaping. If you've recently had any kind of cold, flu, allergy, you might have accidentally forced something into your eustachian tubes, causing pressure and perhaps even infection in the inner/middle ear. Only a doctor could determine that.

Andria

 

[omezarn]

I have something similar. But it started due to frequent hookah. I don't have foggy brain. But I have very bad vertigo or positional vertigo probably caused by ear infection as I have some pain inside my ears.

 

[Robdob]

Please check your carbon monoxide detector, just to rule it out. I suffered a carbon monoxide injury 12 years ago. Some similar symptoms. I was in a rehab hospital for 8 months. The only acceptable level is 0%. If it's more, get out of the house immediately and call the fire department.

 

[LoveVanilla]

I had ear problems that cleared immediately when I moved to VG juices. YMMV but it can be quickly and easily tested. Vape all-VG juice exclusively for 2-3 days to see if resolved. Don't know about IBS. Medical advice is always intelligent if affordable.

 

[Mike95]

Sorry all it was 11:00pm here in the UK when I posted and I fell basically straight to sleep after I posted Ill read your comments shortly and get back to you all

 

[Mike95]

One or two of you have mentioned that I haven't gone into detail about how much/what im vaping so ill tell you. I've been using manufactured brands called E-Lites (Used between when I quit to about 2 months ago) and Green Smoke (Used between 2 months ago to now). The manufacturers have given little information on the ingredients of the juice:

E-Lites Menthol 'E-Tips' - 1.6% Nicotine per ml. Ingredients-Water, Propylene Glycol, Glycerol & E-Lites flavours
Green Smoke 'Flavoured Cartomisers'- 1.2% Nicotine per ml. Ingredients-USP Grade Propylene Glycol, USP Grade Glycerol, Artificial Flavourings.

It seems they both have near enough identical ingredients and sure enough my symptoms are the same regardless of what I vape.

As to the ear pain... might ought to see a doc about that one; it *might* be something related to vaping, but I've never seen it mentioned as a "standard" problem associated with vaping. If you've recently had any kind of cold, flu, allergy, you might have accidentally forced something into your eustachian tubes, causing pressure and perhaps even infection in the inner/middle ear. Only a doctor could determine that.

Andria

I have been and they feel as though the ear pain is very unlikely linked to vaping (as do I). Although I did feel it was necessary to mention all of my symptoms just in case.

Could the symptoms be due to high nicotine.

Most important information is the hardware and liquid.

The pain under the ears and the delirium sound to me like serious kinds of symptoms warranting a doctor visit.

The delirium has been put down to stress and labyrinthitis (an ear infection) which could take months to clear up. I have had cognitive and balance tests done and perform fine suggesting there is nothing serious going on.

As for the level of nicotine, when I quit, the cigarettes I used to smoke contained 0.6% nicotine and I am now using 1.2 (Green Smoke Brand) down from 1.8 (E-Lites Brand). I have considered dropping to a very light level of nicotine like 0.6.

Unfortunately here in the UK (at least where I live) there aren't many places where I can go and try before I buy so I am restricted a little. Only yesterday I noticed a 'vape shop' open in the city centre which I may visit if It seems likely that my hardware is the problem.

 

[Mike95]

Please check your carbon monoxide detector, just to rule it out. I suffered a carbon monoxide injury 12 years ago. Some similar symptoms. I was in a rehab hospital for 8 months. The only acceptable level is 0%. If it's more, get out of the house immediately and call the fire department.

We have 2 CO detectors in the house after we had a scare about 3 years ago although our boiler has since been changed and the alarms are checked regularly. I have no doubt that carbon monoxide is not involved!

 

[Mike95]

I have something similar. But it started due to frequent hookah. I don't have foggy brain. But I have very bad vertigo or positional vertigo probably caused by ear infection as I have some pain inside my ears.

I do get terrible vertigo after being in lifts/elevators which I never experienced before but again, I put this down to labyrinthitis that my doctor says I have

 

[Mike95]

Do you know what is in your e-liquid?

"mass manufactured brand" sounds suspiciously like one of the companies that won't/refuse to reveal what is in their products... half the reason why the whole world of the e-cig is under threat.

You could have a problem with PG. You could have an issue with the flavourings... one of the biggest non-cig-a-like brands sells liquid which makes me feel terrible....

See my recent post:

One or two of you have mentioned that I haven't gone into detail about how much/what im vaping so ill tell you. I've been using manufactured brands called E-Lites (Used between when I quit to about 2 months ago) and Green Smoke (Used between 2 months ago to now). The manufacturers have given little information on the ingredients of the juice:

E-Lites Menthol 'E-Tips' - 1.6% Nicotine per ml. Ingredients-Water, Propylene Glycol, Glycerol & E-Lites flavours
Green Smoke 'Flavoured Cartomisers'- 1.2% Nicotine per ml. Ingredients-USP Grade Propylene Glycol, USP Grade Glycerol, Artificial Flavourings.

Just my two cents...

It could be a pg allergy. But I suspect it is coincidence. I am not a Doctor. So take what I say with a grain of salt.

We have no way of knowing what ever life changes you have made. Maybe you switched certain brands of soaps or certain brands of food that you eat.
I suggest that you begin keeping a food diary. Also note the dish soap, laundry detergent and cleaners. While you also keep track of what e-liquid that you vape.

I live with a friend and we both use the same detergents, cleaners and even shower gels and soaps (times are hard as a student ). I would have thought that he would experience similar symptoms if this was an environmental issue.

I had a problem with a company's juice (pre-filled cartridges) because they used pg only in their mix. I had every pg allergy out there. Since making my own juice I am now able to mix it at 50pg/50vg and no longer suffer those allergies or side effects. You have looked up pg side effects/allergies? It could very well be the culprit. I've never heard of anyone have vg problems. I hope you find out and please let us know!

I think PG may be playing a part in my symptoms after reading some of your comments and I may try VG for a week or two after a week of no vaping at all and keep a note of my results.

Cigarettes tend to mask symptoms. It is possible you had IBS prior to quitting but no symptoms. OR you could be sensitive to PG which can also cause IBS symptoms. The fog brain could be from less nicotine OR due to the ear problem (most likely). Inner ear problems could have also been masked by cigs. If no infection is present the only thing you can do is hold your nose and blow several times a day. It may take a few months to resolve, but it will. (Experience)

Im no doctor but I am a nurse.

Sent from my couch using Tapatalk.

I have been popping my ears regularly which helps (a little). Its a good idea suggesting that cigarettes are masking the symptoms. Then again I have been stressed over all this and cigarettes have helped me calm down. Vaping is just as satisfying for me although as you can imagine im disinclined to use my vape at the moment

 

[Rickajho]

I have and they think I have an inner ear infection called Labyrinthitis (excuse the spelling) and irritable bowel syndrome and put the odd delirious feeling down to stress. I can understand this although I dont feel they understand how related vaping and my symptoms seem to be. Symptoms become instantly more recognizable after vaping. Unfortunately I have started smoking in the past few weeks and have found my symptoms 'ease'.

IBS, Chron's disease, ulcerative colitis etc. are conditions that are known to occur when someone quits smoking. It has nothing to do - not directly - with starting vaping. Now that you have either returned to smoking or are riding a roller coaster of vaping and smoking you can't point a finger at vaping as the source of the problem. When this happens to someone trying to quit smoking, even a few cigarettes are known to reduce the severity of the symptoms of IBS, UC or Chron's.

This is a known, well documented problem for certain people who make quit smoking attempts and have never even touched vaping. The causation isn't well understood but the connection is very well documented. It's also potentially life threatening.The answer isn't to just keep smoking and see what happens. Repeated quitting attempts have been known to make the condition worse with each new attempt.

Don't screw with this - see an MD to find out what is going on. We can't provide medical advice here, and certainly no fixes.

 

[Mike95]

IBS, Chron's disease, ulcerative colitis etc. are conditions that are known to occur when someone quits smoking. It has nothing to do - not directly - with starting vaping. Now that you have either returned to smoking or are riding a roller coaster of vaping and smoking you can't point a finger at vaping as the source of the problem. When this happens to someone trying to quit smoking, even a few cigarettes are known to reduce the severity of the symptoms of IBS, UC or Chron's.

This is a known, well documented problem for certain people who make quit smoking attempts and have never even touched vaping. The causation isn't well understood but the connection is very well documented. It's also potentially life threatening.The answer isn't to just keep smoking and see what happens. Repeated quitting attempts have been known to make the condition worse with each new attempt.

Don't screw with this - see an MD to find out what is going on. We can't provide medical advice here, and certainly no fixes.

I completely understand. I hate smoking and am disappointed that I have started again because of how well I felt like I had done. I have had a blood test for coeliacs (wheat intolerance) and the doctor does not feel that my symptoms are bad enough to justify chrons.

Im seriously considering switching to VG for a week or two and seeing how I feel. The doctor seems unsure as to what going on so i feel like Im grasping at straws a little