Asthmatics?

[Frostin]

Our username actually belongs to a couple. My fiance smokes and I have chronic asthma. After doing a lot of research, we settled on Smoketip as my fiance's first e-cig. Although he will probably be trying other alternatives in the future, he's a no-fuss type of guy who doesn't want to bother "dripping" or mixing up potions.

Although ECF doesn't advocate someone taking up smoking using e-cigs (and we agree), what *I* am wondering is... what if I "smoked" nicotine-free carts? Would the vape be equivalent or even similar to using a vaporizer (which I sometimes have to do when my asthma is particularly bad). If so, it could be a dream-come-true and much easier than being tied to a plug-in vaporizing unit.

Has anyone encountered any research or comments about this as an option?

 

[dormouse]

Don't know, but if you do this search on Google it's a quick way to pull up lots of ECF links discussing Asthma

Search Google for this then expand the ECF results (press the More results link):
e-cigarette forum asthma

 

[jlarsen]

This is all just speculation on my part, but...

I wouldn't use a PV to replace your asthma vaporizer. I don't know what all goes into the prescribed vaporizer you have, some sort of medication I'm assuming, along with the base liquid. Would it be safe for you to vape as well as your fiance? Nic free probably wouldn't aggravate your asthma, but I can't say for sure. Your vaporizer may or may not use PG. But an e-cig is going to lack the other ingredients your doctor may be wanting you to get when you use the prescribed vaporizer. I'm just speculating though, I don't have any experience with asthma. If I had asthma and was going to experiment with an ecig, I would use PG only juices with no nicotine. Then the only thing you have to worry about that wouldn't typically be in an asthma vaporizer is the flavorings.

Then again, I know people with asthma that smoke. To me that seems absurdly dangerous. I can't imagine a few puffs off a nic free e-cig as a test would do any harm, but not sure if it is recommended. Maybe you could put the same solution that goes into your asthma vaporizer in a refillable cart/carto and try that? Or you could fill a cart/carto with straight PG. PG may not be used in your vaporizer, but many vaporizers and inhalers used for medical conditions contain PG, so I see no reason it would be unsafe for someone with asthma.

I'm willing to bet your fiance switching to vaping is going to have a noticeable positive effect on your quality of life. It may reduce your need to use your vaporizer.

IMO, prefilled carts/cartos suck. He may not want to drip or mix. But I would recommend getting re-fillable carts/cartos and pre-mixed juices and filling his own. More "fuss" than prefilleds, but not as much as dripping or mixing. More flavor options that way for sure, and I think they vape better.

A lot of people that switch to vaping want no fuss prefilled cartos... but end up dripping, mixing, filling their own, etc. It gives you more options, a different experience, and might save money in the long run. On some sites you can get many more nic levels with liquids than with the prefilleds as well, though most sites offer 2-4 different nic levels in both their juices and prefilleds. I have seen a couple sites that offer dozens of different nic level options in juices, but I've never seen more than about 5 levels offered in a prefilled cart/carto on any given site.

 

[jlarsen]

PG has been used in asthma inhalers and nebulizers for over 50 years.

Danger of Inhaling Propylene Glycol | eHow.com

 

[ControlledChaos]

My best friend has asthma and he just started vaping. The first week was a tough switch for him but after a week he feels and breathes better then he ever did. It's not a substitute for an inhaler but ANYTHING is better then ciggarettes

 

[Babsb]

**NOTE: I AM NOT NOR CLAIM TO BE A DOCTOR, NOR AM I ATTEMPTING TO TREAT OR DIAGNOSIS ANY ILLNESS...THE FOLLOWING IS BIASED PURELY FROM MY OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCE**

I have been totally smoke free for one month now, so take it for what you may I have asthma as well as a mild case of C.O.P.D. Have been (note past tense used) on three inhalators a day. During the first week, I vaped everything menthol..and I mean HEAVY menthol! I made vicks smell weak What can I say..I love love love the menthol taste, and still do, but not as much as I use to, not even very keen on tobacco flavors anymore..but thats another thread... After a week of vaping, it dawned on me that I have not had to use my inhalers AT ALL! Being an asthmatic, you will be able to understand this...I can breath DEEP, no longer just the 'top' part of my lungs, but I can actually take a breath deeper than half way now, with improvements every single day! AND Im walk 3 miles a day (working towards 5miles, my goal) I have only wheezed a couple times in the past week. Even my husband commented on that, so if HE notices, there is a change

I do know that vaping is NOT a replacement for a nebulizor (blew that spelling and spell check is as confused about that spelling as I am..lol) Which indicates to me that you have a worse case of asthma than I. It may not even help you as it did me. One difference being, I USE to smoke, you HAVE NOT smoked. Each person has a different experience, even tho they may have the same problems. Give up your nebulizor? I wouldn't. Was there a noticable difference for me? HECK yeah it made a HUGE HUGE difference. I like..no I LOVE to be able to take a DEEP breath and not be thrown into a coughing fit for hours after! One will NOT replace another. I still carry my inhalers (Im not THAT willing to take that kind of chance of having an attack and not having them with me), right along with my PV

As one other poster stated..do some research on it. Personally? if youre not use to 'smoking' in any type of form..best advice anyone can give is..dont start!

 

[Frostin]

Thank you SO MUCH, everyone! I truly appreciate your taking the time to answer this, when there are so many posts to choose from.

1. Dormouse (cute name!) From what I can see, any asthma posts concern smokers who ARE asthmatics, also... OR... asthmatics who are AFFECTED by smokers. But I see nothing on e-cigs used as an inhalation therapy FOR asthmatics. Thanks for your advice, though.

2. jlarsen: I am humbled by how much time and effort you put into your reply. To answer a couple of your questions/points:
a. I don't use any additives in my vaporizers - the steam is good for the lungs and breaks up mucus.
b. My fiance doesn't smoke, though he loves to (and he did before he met me). He currently "dips", which we both hate, in an attempt to shield me from the smoke. It saves ME but exposes him to virtually the same risks as smoking, and it's an uglier habit than smoking is.
c. Good thought about dripping a solution, and I would use a non-nic solution (since I've never used tobacco and see no need to take it up).
d. I agree about the dangers of being asthmatic and smoking - I've never understood it. Of course my best friend has emphysema who smokes and if this works for my fiance (and I'm sure it will), I'm getting her switched ASAP!!!
e. *I* would prefer something I could really get creative with, and mixing up my own formulas would be FUN. And perhaps my fiance will eventually do so... but he's quite minimalist and I'd be surprised. I'm the flamboyant, creative one and my bet is most women are, too. It would be interesting to know how many men vs. how many women mix up their own concoctions.

ControlledChaos: Agreed! I think vaping will be a heckuva lot better for him, too... and I'm hoping to get MY best friend to start (she has emphysema).

 

[Frostin]

Babsb: I am so very grateful that you took the time to write about this. I need to correct something: I am NOT using a nebulizer. That WOULD need to have medicated fluid in it, etc. However, I AM a "chronic asthmatic", and I just resist using something like that. Instead, I used the standard albuterol inhalers.

I've never smoked before, so I've escaped the COPD but I surely empathize - it's MISERABLE, isn't it???

I don't intend to start smoking - I don't want any nicotine in my juice... but I was thinking that a mildly flavored non-nicotine solution (almond, vanilla) might help hydrate the lungs and perhaps a menthol solution would help soothe them...?

 

[Frostin]

MY APOLOGIES: I'm still getting used to the forum and am not replying to individual posts. I just realized I should. Please forgive me.

 

[Pneathery]

I was smoking up to 5 packs a day, I have asthma. I had to use a nebulizer, and a hand held inhaler every half an hour to an hour. I have quit smoking before, and was completely free from using my inhalers. Although I couldn't stay quit for more then a month. Now I am using a PV instead of smoking, and I still need to use my asthma treatments, so vaping has a negative effect on your lungs, but it is a far less of a problem then smoking.
But I think you are saying that you want to use these instead of your inhalers, no offense, but that wouldn't work. It would actually hurt you. If you don't smoke, don't start! We are using personal vaporizers because we couldn't quit smoking. PV'S are the lesser of two evils.

 

[Frostin]

Pneathery: ..."so vaping has a negative effect on your lungs, but it is a far less of a problem then smoking"

THAT was what I was wondering. So you think that, if you could, you'd quit vaping altogether? You don't find that the vapor is moisturizing for your throat/lungs? Have you ever tried 0% solution? Thanks for taking the time to reply.

 

[Frostin]

Again, I'd like to thank everyone for their input.

 

[WomanOfHeart]

Okay, wait a minute here. I need to make sure I got this right. You do not smoke, but have asthma and are wondering if an e-cig could replace your current nebulizer?

If this is really what you're asking, then the answer is no. An e-cig IS NOT and SHOULD NOT be used as a replacement for your nebulizer. Your nebulizer is designed to help carry and distribute your medication to your lungs. An e-cig creates vapor in a very different way and will not be effective in keeping your asthma under control.

It is possible that your symptoms could get better once your fiance makes the switch and stops smoking. I would NOT, however, advocate YOU taking up vaping, especially if you're doing it to replace your current asthma treatment. This is not only silly, it could be downright dangerous.

 

[jlarsen]

Thank you SO MUCH, everyone! I truly appreciate your taking the time to answer this, when there are so many posts to choose from.

1. Dormouse (cute name!) From what I can see, any asthma posts concern smokers who ARE asthmatics, also... OR... asthmatics who are AFFECTED by smokers. But I see nothing on e-cigs used as an inhalation therapy FOR asthmatics. Thanks for your advice, though.

2. jlarsen: I am humbled by how much time and effort you put into your reply. To answer a couple of your questions/points:
a. I don't use any additives in my vaporizers - the steam is good for the lungs and breaks up mucus.
b. My fiance doesn't smoke, though he loves to (and he did before he met me). He currently "dips", which we both hate, in an attempt to shield me from the smoke. It saves ME but exposes him to virtually the same risks as smoking, and it's an uglier habit than smoking is.
c. Good thought about dripping a solution, and I would use a non-nic solution (since I've never used tobacco and see no need to take it up).
d. I agree about the dangers of being asthmatic and smoking - I've never understood it. Of course my best friend has emphysema who smokes and if this works for my fiance (and I'm sure it will), I'm getting her switched ASAP!!!
e. *I* would prefer something I could really get creative with, and mixing up my own formulas would be FUN. And perhaps my fiance will eventually do so... but he's quite minimalist and I'd be surprised. I'm the flamboyant, creative one and my bet is most women are, too. It would be interesting to know how many men vs. how many women mix up their own concoctions.

ControlledChaos: Agreed! I think vaping will be a heckuva lot better for him, too... and I'm hoping to get MY best friend to start (she has emphysema).

I'm curious, what does your vaporizer use? Just water? Just PG? Or a combination of water and PG? I'm not sure the PG helps with asthma as much as it is a carrier for additives. Is it a vaporizer like the ones you buy in the store for colds, that plug into the wall and you hover over it with a towel over your head or sit it next to your bed, or more like a nebulizer with a face mask and all that?

Maybe you could use your creativity and willingness to experiment and fill refillable carts/cartos and mix juices for your fiance.

My wife vapes too, but very little. I used to refill her cartridges for her. Now she drips, but using a combination of a juice I procured for her (vanilla) and one I mixed (sort of - I put whole cloves in a bottle of Ruyan #1 juice), she drips a drop of each - it is a good tasting combo. She isn't going to get into mixing or filling her own carts even. But IF I make up a combination she likes, though her tastes are much pickier than mine. No doubt she'll drip it, or LET me fill her carts for her. LOL.

I had a friend that died from complications to asthma. He also smoked. Though he was out of work and couch surfing at the time. He was out of state when he died, so I don't know for sure, but I think it was due to him not having access to his medications.

If a few puffs off an e-cig using just PG would put an asthma patients health at risk, then I should think the entire medical industry should rethink the delivery systems they prescribe to asthmatics. Do you use an inhaler? If so, you're probably getting some PG as it is.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do. But like babsb said, even if vaping helps your asthma, don't get rid of your vaporizer or inhalers, keep them handy.

 

[Pneathery]

Oh also to let you know, the e-cig's take liquid out of your lungs, they wouldn't help you they would hurt you. I understand what you are saying now, that instead of a water vapor machine, that you would wrather use an e-cig. The e-cir would hurt your lungs, not help you. The vapor takes the moisture out of your lungs, if I have to drink tons of water to make up for it. But if you know someone that is using tobacco, these things are an amazing replacement. As I said I went from 5 packs a day, to just vaping overnight. They are amazing.

 

[SmokingRT]

As you can probably guess my profession by my name.... please do NOT use this to take the place of a vaporizer. Although PG has been used in MDI (puffers) there is more in the ejuice than that. The byproduct is water vapor so the fact that your BF switches may help decrease you frequency of use in an as needed sort of way. The thought is nice but.....no it is not ok even with it being NIC free. For the record the PG will actually dry you out and VG???? well it is just not a good idea to inhale something you don't need especially when you are asthmatic. If you were a smoker ....yes then the answer would change as it is better than smoke. I wish your boyfriend the best and feel free to pm me anytime with questions.

 

[Frostin]

WomanofHeart: I replied to you, but my reply got lost somehow so let me try to repeat it:

1. I don't use a nebulizer. I use a personal vaporizer at times, when needed, to introduce warm, steamy air into my lungs to help break up the mucus during a difficult attack. I don't use any medication in it. It's just steamy water.

2. The only meds I use are an allergy pill to control the asthma, and a standard inhaler when needed.

3. My fiance doesn't currently smoke, though he loves to. He quit for me, but starting to "dip" as a substitute. We both hate that, so e-cigs are a great alternative for him and allows him to "smoke" again without harming me.

 

[WomanOfHeart]

I think both SmokinRT and myself are on the same page with this, having been a RT and paramedic myself. Both PG and VG are hygroscopic, meaning they attract moisture and will dehydrate, not moisturize. Especially with the amounts used for e-cigs. I strongly advise you NOT to try this!

 

[Babsb]

Personally if and when I get to 0nic I highly doubt id quit vaping. I enjoy "smoking'.
Frostin..I understand better now and your whys and question..no it wont replace them..for me...so far, I've not needed them but a few times. Im gonna have to stop here cuz now that my taste buds have come home..everything tastes amazingly delicious and I find myself vaping myself sick....lol. i've just gotten into mixing and its fun and creative!
Id still stick to don't start even if zero nic tho..but dang..delious! lol. Nothing inhailed is very good for you..moreso something that is nonmedicated

 

[Pneathery]

I VAPE, because I couldn't quit smoking. Smoking is the most insidious addiction that there is. It is your best friend, you can't imagine life with out it, so vaping actually feels like you are smoking. I have only been quit for 2-4 months, so I am not thinking about quitting vaping at this time. About the nicotine, the nicotine doesn't cause the simp tons that I am talking about, but I have vaped very low nic levels, and they actually made me feel sicker then the higher nic level.
And about making my throat/lungs feel better, when I first got started vaping it burned my throat, and my lungs. I knew it was better then smoking. But it won't make anything feel better, except for that craving you get when you have quit smoking. If you don't smoke, and have asthma, these aren't for you. As I said they will do more harm then help in your case.