ecigs and asthma - please help

[joan-uk]

A couple of weeks ago I bought an e-cigarette because I want to stop smoking

I usually smoke 20 light cigarettes a day

I used it for a 3 days and during those 3 days cut my cigarettes down to 7 a day
but then my asthma kicked in and was very bad for 2 days, I couldn`t stop coughing

so I stopped using the e-cig for 4 days until I started to feel better
then started using it again at the same time as cutting my cigarettes down to 10 a day
again I used it for 3 days then my asthma kicked in again, badly

has anyone used e-cigarettes who can shed some light on my questions please

1. is there something in the e-cigarette that is triggering my asthma
2. or is cutting down my cigarettes causing the problem as in, my lungs chucking up the muck that has built up over the years of smoking
3. or is it just a coincidence

 

[steven1356]

Could be its a vapor intead of a dry smoke.How are you affected in a steamy shower?

 

[supergerbil]

That would one heck of a coincidence!

It could be either number one or number two. You could try going cold turkey (if you can stand it) for a few days; if you start hacking then you know its your lungs clearing themselves. If you dont the you are having some sort of issue with vapor.

 

[meldee]

I have asthma too, which is one of the main reasons I wanted to make the switch to vaping.

It could just be your body reacting to not having the nasty debris and tar. I've seen on forums and websites (which, of course, are not 100% correct 100% of the time) that your body "reactivates cillia" and can cause coughing, throat clearing, hoarseness and phlegm for a couple of months after quitting.

I haven't experienced it yet, but I just started the changeover.

Also, I've heard that many people have allergies to the PG or VG used in the liquids. I'm not certain if your symptoms indicate an allergy, but it's possible, I guess, particularly if it goes away after a few days of not vaping.

 

[joan-uk]

steven, strange you should ask that - if my astma is bad it doesn`t like the steam in the bathroom when I have a bath

super, I can`t stop smoking, I have tried other stuff like patches,lozenges etc but nothing helped me to stop until I tried the ecig



mel I just looked and both ecigs I bought only have the pg in them

 

[joan-uk]

meldee which ecigs are you using and what strength?

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Hi joan-uk and welcome to ECF. Congrats on switching to vaping. I am NOT a Doctor and suggest you confide with your Dr. and share what you're attempting to do.
It could be one of many problems:
-you could be allergic to the FOOD flavorings.
- you could be allergic to the PG or the VG.
- it could be your lungs are spewing out the "gunk"
Credit to Ops:
"Another approach would be to not inhale. It's been known that most of the nicotine from a PV is absorbed via the mucus membrane in the mouth. It's really not necessary to inhale. That's likely done mostly for the phycological hit rather then actual need. It's a habit from smoking. Instead use a PV like you would a cigar or pipe."
Here are some pertinent links:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/health-safety-e-smoking/129886-vaping-asthma.html
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/health-safety-e-smoking/203812-asthma-vaping.html
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/health-safety-e-smoking/304982-asthma-vaping.html
Some have remedied their issues by vaping a 50/ 50 PG/ VG juice.
Realize vaping is extremely dehydrating. I drink 1 1/2 liters of water per day.
Just remember vaping will not cure asthma but, over the long term, should bring about some comfort.
Good Luck and Best Wishes.

 

[joan-uk]

vapoor, `"Another approach would be to not inhale`

I will try that, great idea, I will have to remember not to inhale

I will read the links you have given me and thanks for all the info

 

[meldee]

meldee which ecigs are you using and what strength?

I've been using a Mistic (which sucks...it's only a hold over until I get my kgo), which I think are 18mg nicotine (pretty standard). What are you using? Once I receive my new device, I'm planning on using a 50%/50% blend of PG/VG. I'll pop back on and let you know how it goes then.

Everybody's asthma triggers are different...it could be a reaction to vapor as Steven suggested (steam never bothered me, but I know it is a trigger for many people). It could be an allergy. It could be a natural reaction to quitting. It's probably very difficult to tell. They have juice out there that is 100% PG, or very low PG. You might want to try those and see if you can't pinpoint the problem.

I agree with Vapoor...if you're having asthma issues, ask your doctor. It's not something you want to muck around with.

 

[meldee]

"Another approach would be to not inhale. It's been known that most of the nicotine from a PV is absorbed via the mucus membrane in the mouth. It's really not necessary to inhale. That's likely done mostly for the phycological hit rather then actual need. It's a habit from smoking. Instead use a PV like you would a cigar or pipe."

Huh...I didn't know that! Not sure I'll stop inhaling, but it's an interesting fact!

 

[Ratchet]

Again, a Dr. needs to have the final say about this but in your shoes, I'd try one of two or both options:

1. High or 100% VG juice as it MAY be the PG that's triggering your asthma.
2. Vape without inhaling. Hold the vapor in your mouth for a few seconds (to allow the mucous membranes to absorb the nic) then blow it out without inhaling.

But, I'd definitely recommend speaking to the MD that's treating you for your asthma, either way.

Good luck!!!!!'

 

[ambeck22]

Is it a gas station e-cig? My bf got me one for his birthday to try and it exacerbated my asthma which ONLY flares with perfumes and cleaners and the like (cigarettes never bothered it). When I purchased a better kit not from a gas station, it stopped and I haven't had a problem since. However, it didn't take days; I would start coughing after just one draw on the gas station e-cig. I don't know WHAT they put in those gas station ones, but it was harsh.

 

[joan-uk]

both ecigs I bought only have the only pg in them and are 24mg strength
as I only smoke light cigs 0.6 nicotine, I should have bought a weaker strength, 18mg or less
if I inhale the ecig I start coughing

I bought e-lites and another brand from a local ecig retailer both 24mg but the e-lites aren`t as strong as the others
so when my asthma is better I will only try the e-lites and not inhale and see what happens then
and will use the ecig and still smoke 10 cigs a day instead of the usual 20, I don`t want to rush myself into giving up smoking

thanks everyone for all the info

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

PG is an issue for many vapers even those without asthma. PG can also tickle/ irritate the throat and lungs- some call it throat hit but most of us see it as throat and lung irritation. Could very well be the 100% PG that's the irritant IMHO.

both ecigs I bought only have the pg in them and are 24mg strength
as I only smoke light cigs 0.6 nicotine, I should have bought a weaker strength, 18mg or less
if I inhale the ecig I start coughing

I bought e-lites and another brand from a local ecig retailer both 24mg but the e-lites aren`t as strong as the others
so when my asthma is better I will only try the e-lites and not inhale and see what happens then
and will use the ecig and still smoke 10 cigs a day instead of the usual 20, I don`t want to rush myself into giving up smoking

thanks everyone for all the info

 

[joan-uk]

earier I found this info
`PG (Propylene Glycol) is used in many products that we use every day, including toothpaste & mouth wash. it's also used in asthma inhalers.`

I use both a steroid and reliever inhaler so I thought it wouldn`t be that
I will buy some weaker juice to try
I will keep you posted

 

[steven1356]

When i first quit smoking i had about 2 weeks of wheezing and coughing and my doc told me my lungs were waking up and ridding themselves of toxins,I thought that id be better off smoking but hung in there and have been happily vaping since.Hang in there

 

[joan-uk]

steven, as ecigs have been the first thing to help me cut down smoking
I won`t give up trying easily

 

[Spazmelda]

Another thing to consider is the flavors. I've found that certain flavors irritate my asthma more than others. You could try vaping some unflavored nic juice (in the correct strength of course) and see if that helps.

One of the reasons I went to DIY juices is so that I can use lower levels of flavoring and I can narrow down which irritate my airways and which don't.

 

[AuBadge]

steven, as ecigs have been the first thing to help me cut down smoking
I won`t give up trying easily

Also, along with other earlier suggestions (like checking with your Doc), don't hesitate to try juice with higher (or 100%) VG instead of PG. VG may be kinder to you and it produces a LOT more vapor than PG, if that feature appeals to you.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

PG is known as a "carrier" and thus the reason for being used in inhalers. Also used in some hospitals to sanitize the air and in some transplant operations.

I use both a steroid and reliever inhaler so I thought it wouldn`t be that

Understand the amount of PG, while vaping, is considerably higher than that in an inhaler.

earier I found this info
`PG (Propylene Glycol) is used in many products that we use every day, including toothpaste & mouth wash. it's also used in asthma inhalers.`

I use both a steroid and reliever inhaler so I thought it wouldn`t be that
I will buy some weaker juice to try
I will keep you posted