Hello, need a little support!

[sallyanne]

I came across this forum and it looks like a friendly place to discuss problems etc.! I recently bought an eGo T with clearomizer because for a long time I have been trying to give up cigs........tried gum, lozenges etc. but all they did was make me want a ciggie!

Anyway, I bought the above ecig on the recommendation of a friend who has done really well with hers and I use it with 18mg B&H type nicotine liquid with an added mint liquid. I really like it and initially was so thrilled because I felt that I could definitely kick the ciggies into touch......BUT, after a few days I started to get a tightening in my chest which became progressively worse, and now I wake up in the night really struggling for breath. A bit frightening to be honest, and it takes an hour or two in the morning before I can breathe normally again.

I really really hope that this is not the ecig causing this and know full well that after 45 years of smoking there is obviously damage to my lungs but is it normal for this to happen when initially using the ecig? I haven't used it at all today, and have had three ciggies but wanted to see if my breathing improves tonight.

Anyone have any experience of this, and if so, does it pass

 

[Lessifer]

You probably want to consult a doctor, you may be having a reaction to something in your liquid, or you may just already be experiencing the effects of stopping/cutting down on smoking. That's not a typical response though so best to be safe and see a doctor if you can.

 

[Talyon]

I'm NOT a doctor, so please see one. Most likely your just going through cigarette withdrawal, it happens to many, also u could be allergic to the PG in the liquid.

GL.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Hi and welcome to ECF.
PG and VG are humectants...
A humectant is a substance used primarily in foods and cosmetic products to help retain moisture. These substances are called hygroscopic, which means that they are able to absorb ambient water. These hygroscopic compounds posses a chemical structure that attracts water from the atmosphere and binds it to various sites along the molecule.

When we inhale PG/ VG it "traps" the moisture in our mouth, throat and nasal area and thus the vapor. The real problem arises when the body is dehydrated and begins "stealing" moisture from other parts of the body to keep key organs hydrated. Add to that more than 3 cups of java or caffeine based soda drinks and severe dehydration can occur. I drink 2+ liters of water per day and no more than 3 cups Java per day.
It could also be that you're sensitive to either PG or VG. First thing I did when I began vaping was make an appointment with my GP. Although he strongly supports vaping it really wouldn't have mattered to me if he was anti- vaping.

 

[sallyanne]

Thank you Lessifer - that would be sensible I know given that it is not a normal reaction when first using these things. Oh bums, I was feeling so positive about using them too.

Thank you again

 

[sallyanne]

Thank you Talyon and Vapoor eyes er..........maybe I am not drinking enough then; I do have quite a lot of coffee and I did notice that my mouth and throat were feeling dry. I suppose that if it's an allergy though, then that's that.

 

[Lessifer]

Well if you do end up having an allergy to pg or vg, many vendors offer all pg or all vg liquids, it would be extremely rare for you to be sensitive to both.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Thank you Talyon and Vapoor eyes er..........maybe I am not drinking enough then; I do have quite a lot of coffee and I did notice that my mouth and throat were feeling dry. I suppose that if it's an allergy though, then that's that.

You're welcome. More than 3 cups of java per day brings on dehydration. Add vaping and serious dehydration can occur. When I began vaping I knew all about dehydration but continued to drink 10+ cups java per day. All sorts of issues arose but quickly went away once I began drinking water and cutting back on my java. The ONLY reason I did this was to prove to myself the theory that vaping really was dehydrating.

 

[eratikmind]

If you continue to struggle to breathe . . . No question, see your physician. I trust that it gets much better for you.

- Andy

 

[sallyanne]

I think that what I will do is see what happens tonight after a day of not using the ecig. If I am still breathless and tight in the chest then I will see the doctor, if not then I will try again and drink much more water.

 

[The Ocelot]

Yes, if it persists see a doctor. NHS. Lucky you. (not joking, I have nothing)

And some other comments: I'm fine with pg, but anything more than 40% vg and my lungs start feeling heavy. I'm also sensitive to some flavorings, no matter what the pg/vg ratio. It's a bit odd too - some days a flavor will make my eyes a little puffy, and then other days the same flavor won't.

 

[sallyanne]

Yes, the good old NHS!! Actually, here in rural Herefordshire we are fortunate because of the low population and therefore better service than in other areas of the UK. You people over the water probably have much better hospitals on the whole though.

I am really really hoping that tonight and tomorrow the breathlessness and tight chest eases, in which case I have taken on board all the comments and will try again but without any added flavourings. Just checked on the liquid bottles and they are pg 50% and vg 40%. I will take it one step at a time though, and the first one is to get rid of this chest thing.

Thank you for such helpful replies, and I will let you know what happens. Fingers crossed I will be back on the ecig!!

 

[justinstar77]

Just wanted to echo the advice you're getting. Trouble breathing for several days, see a Dr. Drink as much water as you can all day long. Its possible you're just starting to feel how much damage smoking did to your lungs, but IANAD. Could be the liquid/flavorings too or maybe bad cartos maybe try some other flavors or unflavored and see if you might have a sensitivity to pg or vg. I coughed up stuff for a couple months when I quit. But it was worth it. You're better off not smoking.
Good luck

 

[fourthrok]

FWIW....VG makes my lungs feel "congested". Along with coating my throat and making my sinuses freak out. Phlegm city. Lots of people want to "blame" PG...but VG can mess up some people, too!

 

[sallyanne]

Just wanted to echo the advice you're getting. Trouble breathing for several days, see a Dr. Drink as much water as you can all day long. Its possible you're just starting to feel how much damage smoking did to your lungs, but IANAD. Could be the liquid/flavorings too or maybe bad cartos maybe try some other flavors or unflavored and see if you might have a sensitivity to pg or vg. I coughed up stuff for a couple months when I quit. But it was worth it. You're better off not smoking.
Good luck

Thank you, I really do want to stop the cigs so want to sort this out.

 

[sallyanne]

FWIW....VG makes my lungs feel "congested". Along with coating my throat and making my sinuses freak out. Phlegm city. Lots of people want to "blame" PG...but VG can mess up some people, too!

This gives me hope! (and made me laugh!)

I am off to bed now, don't have a clue what time it is over there with you lot but it is getting late here. A million thank yous for all your replies.

 

[Renzuli]

Welcome , but I'm willing to bet it is dehydration . It still happens to me , if I forget to drink a lot of water . I get severe tightening /pain in my chest , and a little difficulty breathing . As soon as I start drinking more water ( lots ) My chest tightness goes away , and even my sinus headaches , goes away . So that must be connected to hydration as well . But if after drowning yourself , with a few gallons of water ( kidding ) you still have the chest pain , definately make an appointment to see your doctor . And just in case you might be sensitive to either PG , or VG . You might want to order a small bottle of each 100 % Pg , and 100 % Vg , and see if you have adverse reactions to either one . Good Luck . and don't give up , just yet .