Are there any people with COPD Vaping?

[caspr]

Title pretty much says it all. I have COPD and am in the process of getting my wife vaping due to the 2nd hand smoke issue.
As I have been researching vaping it has really made me want to try it myself. I smoked 2 pks a day for 40 yrs and quit about 9 yrs ago (but I have never got over the urge for that after dinner smoke or having a mixed drink and a smoke).

My lungs are pretty well shot and I know nothing will make them better but I sure would give my left nad for a good smoke...

 

[Balthezar]

Welcome to ECF, caspr. Yes, there are quite a few stories from people with COPD here. I'm sure some will pop in and tell you about their experiences.

 

[hubseven]

I have COPD and have been vaping for 1 year with no problems, 4-6 ml per day.

 

[caspr]

I have COPD and have been vaping for 1 year with no problems, 4-6 ml per day.

Thanks, I needed to hear that.

 

[intime]

the COPD & current crisis with that is what brought me to vaping. I recovered with this & am enjoying vaping while being smoke free for over 6 weeks now & am so greatful to have this.

 

[caspr]

the COPD & current crisis with that is what brought me to vaping. I recovered with this & am enjoying vaping while being smoke free for over 6 weeks now & am so greatful to have this.

I was in a clinical study for COPD and they kicked me because my lung function was so bad they said their drug could not do me any good. Their lung function machine said I had the lungs of a 128 yr old man.
Well heck, in that case I don't think I could do anything to hurt my lungs. (never met a 128 yr old)

 

[Xaria]

I turned my mother who as diagnosed about 3 years ago, on to vaping recently . She says she does much better now but she realizes what damage is done is done and she still does her breathing treatments, etc. She has not seen her pulmonary doc since switching to vaping, I think she goes in a few weeks, so she is excited to see what, if any progress she has made.

 

[caspr]

I turned my mother who as diagnosed about 3 years ago, on to vaping recently . She says she does much better now but she realizes what damage is done is done and she still does her breathing treatments, etc. She has not seen her pulmonary doc since switching to vaping, I think she goes in a few weeks, so she is excited to see what, if any progress she has made.

I have an appointment on the 27th. I will due the full breathing test so I will see how it goes. Glad to hear it is working for you mother.

 

[rolygate]

Undoubtedly there are many hundreds if not thousands of people with COPD that have switched to an e-cigarette.

There are some important issues with this:

1. It is vitally important that such persons investigate a full range of e-liquid types and brands, to find the option or options that create minimum problems both now and for the future. Some choices could easily create issues, such as the type of base liquid, flavors used, strong flavors or high percentages of flavorings.

2. Some types of COPD present additional risk that needs careful consideration. For example, emphysema sufferers are at increased risk of pneumonia, and this is an extremely serious issue since it may be incurable and lead to death.

3. People with severe COPD, especially emphysema followed by pneumonia, may die. If they are are using an e-cigarette, there is an appreciable risk the fatality may be attributed to e-cigarette use. This has already happened.

For these reasons it is better to be cautious about recommending e-cigarette use to all/any COPD sufferers without reservation. They need to work very closely with their doctor on this. It is of course true that vaping is a better option than continuing to smoke - but simply saying that 'vaping is OK' is not the right answer in these circumstances. It may well be, but COPD sufferers need to be very careful about what they vape, and keeping their medical carer in the loop.

An entirely honest person would almost certainly suggest they try Snus first.

The use of e-cigarettes by those with severe lung disease is not something to be discussed without a full appreciation of the issues. Of course, it all depends on the severity of the condition in the first place - which is why your doctor needs to be involved.

 

[caspr]

Undoubtedly there are many hundreds if not thousands of people with COPD that have switched to an e-cigarette.

There are some important issues with this:

1. It is vitally important that such persons investigate a full range of e-liquid types and brands, to find the option or options that create minimum problems both now and for the future. Some choices could easily create issues, such as the type of base liquid, flavors used, strong flavors or high percentages of flavorings.

2. Some types of COPD present additional risk that needs careful consideration. For example, emphysema sufferers are at increased risk of pneumonia, and this is an extremely serious issue since it may be incurable and lead to death.

3. People with severe COPD, especially emphysema followed by pneumonia, may die. If they are are using an e-cigarette, there is an appreciable risk the fatality may be attributed to e-cigarette use. This has already happened.

For these reasons it is better to be cautious about recommending e-cigarette use to all/any COPD sufferers without reservation. They need to work very closely with their doctor on this. It is of course true that vaping is a better option than continuing to smoke - but simply saying that 'vaping is OK' is not the right answer in these circumstances. It may well be, but COPD sufferers need to be very careful about what they vape, and keeping their medical carer in the loop.

An entirely honest person would almost certainly suggest they try Snus first.

The use of e-cigarettes by those with severe lung disease is not something to be discussed without a full appreciation of the issues. Of course, it all depends on the severity of the condition in the first place - which is why your doctor needs to be involved.

That is what I was looking for, I am only 65(used to be old) yrs young and I want to be around for a couple of more yrs.
I have a hard time with a lot of smells, they set me off. Like if I go into a restaurant that hasn't changed there grease it will set me off.
I think I will tread slowly and see how I do.

 

[swedishfish]

As usual, Rolygate gave excellent advice.

I can just share my experience, and hope it helps.

My mom is in her 70's with COPD and has already experienced many of the other health related issues due to smoking as well. She had an aortic anyeurism repair, has PAD and had stents placed behind both knees. She was on two inhalers plus a host of host of medications. She coughed constantly, was on oxygen and on a good day could walk to the mailbox.

Some people might say why bother vaping at this point. One reason is she's my mother. Another reason is that it really meant a lot to her just to be able to say she did give up smoking. All of her doctors were very encouraging about her vaping, including her vascular doc at Univ of PA.

It's made a tremendous difference for her both mentally and physically. She's off several medications, two inhalers and can actually walk a mile now. The walking was recommended due to her PAD but it's helped her tremendously- even her breathing has improved.

I was very careful in the beginning regarding juice, and she needed a high level of nicotine in the beginning to get off cigarettes. First I tried all VG which she had some issues with (I did too) now she's fine with a ratio of pg/vg and vapes 6 mg. nicotine or less.

This may not apply to everyone, but vaping has made a tremendous difference for her. Her doctors are happy, and she's happy. And I am eternally grateful that I found this forum and we both started vaping.

 

[Xaria]

Caspr- Keep us updated after your appt, would love to know how it is going for you.

Rolygate- I totally agree with all your points. I actually DIY unflavored for both us. I personally am still on the fence about flavoring, there is nothing that I have read or seen to make me think it, we just feel better keeping it unflavored and quite happy with it

Swedishfish- Yeah, that's my mom. She has a huge satisfaction knowing she is no longer smoking, after countless other things through her life did not work.

 

[NicLiq]

My husband was diagnosed with the start of COPD, the only medication he is on is Combivent. He has been cigarette free for 8 months now and his doctor was downright thrilled with his being able to quit by vaping and is suggesting it to his other patients who have tried everything else.

He still needs Combivent, but he is so much stronger now - is walking 2+ miles a day. Prior to switching to vaping, he was out of breath walking from his work building to his car.

 

[Beans]

Undoubtedly there are many hundreds if not thousands of people with COPD that have switched to an e-cigarette.

There are some important issues with this:

1. It is vitally important that such persons investigate a full range of e-liquid types and brands, to find the option or options that create minimum problems both now and for the future. Some choices could easily create issues, such as the type of base
liquid, flavors used, strong flavors or high percentages of flavorings.

2. Some types of COPD present additional risk that needs careful consideration. For example, emphysema sufferers are at increased risk of pneumonia, and this is an extremely serious issue since it may be incurable and lead to death.

3. People with severe COPD, especially emphysema followed by pneumonia, may die. If they are are using an e-cigarette, there is an appreciable risk the fatality may be attributed to e-cigarette use. This has already happened.

For these reasons it is better to be cautious about recommending e-cigarette use to all/any COPD sufferers without reservation. They need to work very closely with their doctor on this. It is of course true that vaping is a better option than
continuing to smoke - but simply saying that 'vaping is OK' is not the right answer in these circumstances. It may well be, but COPD sufferers need to be very careful about what they vape, and keeping their medical carer in the loop.

An entirely honest person would almost certainly suggest they try Snus first.

The use of e-cigarettes by those with severe lung disease is not something to be discussed without a full appreciation of the issues. Of course, it all depends on the severity of the condition in the first place - which is why your doctor needs to be involved.

Thank you for this post! When you speak I always listen. Not to hijack this thread but can you point me to info on point 2.

To Op I've had lung issues for the last 20 years now, smoking was destroying my quality of life. Since I have quit smoking and started vaping my lung function has Improved greatly..and I feel so much better, however I'm still having health issues.

 

[Vchick]

Welcome to ECF caspr & mrs caspr!

I was diagnosed with COPD a few years back and found the c-cig a little over a year ago. While I know that it will never change, what has changed is that I don't seem to get the bronchitis and upper respiratory issues that I seemed to get on a regular basis.

I previously used 2 full time inhalers and a rescue, I'm down to 1, once a day and maybe the rescue once in a blue moon.

I agree with Rolygate on the liquids, types and brands as well as the flavorings. I'd recommend starting with plain liquids, followed by a ratio (pg/vr) that works for you and then adding flavorings if desired. I've read many posts of those that prefer unflavored liquids as well.

Best of luck in finding what works for you both and there's always someone here to help and support you! Keep us posted on your progress - HTH

 

[rolygate]

..... can you point me to info on point 2.

Emphysema and pneumonia? Try these (first stop is ask the thoracic consultant though):

Emphysema explained | Better Health Channel
COPD & Emphysema General Discussions at DailyStrength: Pneumonia
Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, and Colds, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Information on MedicineNet.com

 

[Beans]

Emphysema and pneumonia? Try these (first stop is ask the thoracic consultant though):

Emphysema explained | Better Health Channel
COPD & Emphysema General Discussions at DailyStrength: Pneumonia
Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, and Colds, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Information on MedicineNet.com

Oh, thank you! I read it wrong, I thought something may have come out about emphysema and vaping related Pnuemonia. Sorry

 

[Off Topic]

I've heard that oil based flavors can cause a type of pneumonia. I read it here.

 

[caspr]

Thanks everyone for the replys, it has gave me some things to think about.
I will you know how I am doing.

 

[laks]

I'm wondering if lung function comes back just as fast, all my friends that use ecigs say they have a very noticeable healthier feeling lungs. A friend of mine I was talking to earlier today said when he was smoking he could play about 3 games of squash; after switching to ecigs for about 6 months, the last time he played, he played 9 games and said he could play more if he wanted to.