I have been vaping for about 2 years now, so I figured I would share some things I've learned about vaping along the way--health wise.
The first couple months of vaping, any ailment or irregularity I got, I attributed to vaping. The first side effect I experienced was a tightness in my chest (mostly while laying down). I went to the doctor who did all kinds of tests, including an x-ray, allergy test, and a pulmonary function test (all of which were normal). I was sure it was vaping--it had to be. The verdict? Doctor said my asthma was acting up and recommended a daily inhaler and zyrtec, especially since my allergies have gotten worse in adult hood. I also got a cat around this time and may have been slightly allergic. I no longer experience tightness in my chest, and now after much work and time put in, can run 5 miles at the gym. I've never been able to do that--not even in HS. I'm in the best shape I have ever been in my life!
The next symptom I experienced I was sure vaping was the culprit. I had a breakout of tiny bumps right around my forehead and on my head. I knew it couldn't be acne...I never even had that as a teen. I went to my family doctor who informed me it could be psoriases (since it runs in my family). Since I did not like that diagnosis after googling it, I went to a dermatologist who informed me I had a case of acne--possibly hormonal causes. He provided me with some cream, and it cleared up roughly 6 months later. Phew..
The most recent symptom was itching and a rash on various parts of my body (my arm, leg, etc). I was sure this had to be a randomly occuring PG allergy! Low and behold my mother and father also had the rash a day after me? Verdict? Poison ivy from a hike a few days earlier.
There are side effects from vaping, don't get me wrong. The dehydration that occurs took me months getting used to. I've started eating fruits that contain water and upping my intake of water. I limited my caffeine intake to one cup of coffee a day (from 5) since that dehydrates you. I experienced dry skin that has for the most part subsided with proper intake of fluids. I had two cases of bronchitis this year, which could be attributed to vaping--or just bad luck. I did gain weight after I started vaping--probably due to being able to taste food again! I've since lost all the gained weight and am exercising daily and eating better.
I try to stay out of the health and safety part of the forum for this reason now. People tend to act like I did and attribute every little symptom or ailment life throws at them as a dreaded side effect of vaping. I just hope this story quells some fears and makes people look at things more objectively. People get rashes (contact dermatitis, allergies to particular foods, poison ivy, hormonal imbalances, etc.) I'm not saying people don't have side effects from vaping. People should be weary of new technology (especially something you inhale into a vital organ), I'm just saying look at things objectively, see a doctor, and remember life happens and throws us medical curve balls all the time.
The first couple months of vaping, any ailment or irregularity I got, I attributed to vaping. The first side effect I experienced was a tightness in my chest (mostly while laying down). I went to the doctor who did all kinds of tests, including an x-ray, allergy test, and a pulmonary function test (all of which were normal). I was sure it was vaping--it had to be. The verdict? Doctor said my asthma was acting up and recommended a daily inhaler and zyrtec, especially since my allergies have gotten worse in adult hood. I also got a cat around this time and may have been slightly allergic. I no longer experience tightness in my chest, and now after much work and time put in, can run 5 miles at the gym. I've never been able to do that--not even in HS. I'm in the best shape I have ever been in my life!
The next symptom I experienced I was sure vaping was the culprit. I had a breakout of tiny bumps right around my forehead and on my head. I knew it couldn't be acne...I never even had that as a teen. I went to my family doctor who informed me it could be psoriases (since it runs in my family). Since I did not like that diagnosis after googling it, I went to a dermatologist who informed me I had a case of acne--possibly hormonal causes. He provided me with some cream, and it cleared up roughly 6 months later. Phew..
The most recent symptom was itching and a rash on various parts of my body (my arm, leg, etc). I was sure this had to be a randomly occuring PG allergy! Low and behold my mother and father also had the rash a day after me? Verdict? Poison ivy from a hike a few days earlier.
There are side effects from vaping, don't get me wrong. The dehydration that occurs took me months getting used to. I've started eating fruits that contain water and upping my intake of water. I limited my caffeine intake to one cup of coffee a day (from 5) since that dehydrates you. I experienced dry skin that has for the most part subsided with proper intake of fluids. I had two cases of bronchitis this year, which could be attributed to vaping--or just bad luck. I did gain weight after I started vaping--probably due to being able to taste food again! I've since lost all the gained weight and am exercising daily and eating better.
I try to stay out of the health and safety part of the forum for this reason now. People tend to act like I did and attribute every little symptom or ailment life throws at them as a dreaded side effect of vaping. I just hope this story quells some fears and makes people look at things more objectively. People get rashes (contact dermatitis, allergies to particular foods, poison ivy, hormonal imbalances, etc.) I'm not saying people don't have side effects from vaping. People should be weary of new technology (especially something you inhale into a vital organ), I'm just saying look at things objectively, see a doctor, and remember life happens and throws us medical curve balls all the time.
