Vaping and Asthma/allergies

[Taurek]

Hello!!!


I am new to vaping and I have never smoked analogs because I am allergic to the tobacco plant.

Anyway, my husband is allergic to almost everything, but he really likes vaping. He says he never draws it into his lungs because it makes him cough. He used to smoke analogs alot, but stopped when we met because I don't date smokers. I'm not really sure what to do because he will sit and puff on his inhaler, and then puff on his mod and go back and forth like that. I read that nicotine is actually an anti inflammatory, so that shouldn't be irritating his lungs. I've heard about vp and pg allergies, but I am unsure of how to fix the problem if it is that.
I don't understand what is going on because I've had strong asthma for many years and vaping doesn't bother my lungs at all.


Help please, I don't know what I should do.

 

[FACE MEAT]

I'd have him consult a doctor.

 

[Singaw]

Not really sure I understand the problem but... if he is not inhaling then it should not be affecting his lungs but then again I am not a doctor. I think FACE MEAT is right... ask a doctor.

As a side note, some flavors contain things that may cause an allergic reaction.

 

[jwoode]

It isn't necessary to draw vapor into the lungs. If a lung hit makes him cough, then don't lung hit and he can counter his nicotine dependency from smoking just fine. It sounds like he has his nicotine addiction under control. Nicotine in vapor is absorbed in the mouth just fine, many vapers do not inhale into lungs.

So.. If he says he never draws vapor into his lungs, then what does vaping have to do with his cough?

nothing.. it is irrelevant.

If he dose not inhale vapor, but he does use an inhaler.. for whatever reason.. and he has a cough.. what should you do?

see a doctor.

 

[AndriaD]

I have asthma, and vape pretty much constantly. In general, my asthma has improved since I quit smoking and started vaping, however there are definitely times when a big hit will send me grabbing the inhaler. However I do inhale to my lungs, at least partially; I got used to shallow inhales as a smoker, because of the asthma, and they're a bit shallower now, but still some lung involvement.

I would say, he needs less heat, and probably less VG; if I vape too much VG, it sits like lead in my lungs, and feels like something needs to be coughed up, but won't move; also, VG makes more vapor, more *substantial* vapor, and that will trigger asthma attacks like crazy.

And yes, he definitely should see a doctor and see if there is some other problem going on, because if he hasn't smoked in some time, and doesn't inhale to his lungs, then I'd say something else entirely may be happening. Perhaps an allergy; most seem allergic to PG, but I daresay VG could be allergenic too; or it might just be the heaviness of VG causing a problem, because it seriously causes me a problem, with my asthmatic lungs.

One thing that might help in the short-term is to drink a lot more water. If there *is* something in his chest, mucus, phlegm, infection, whatever, if he drinks more water, he is more likely to be able to get rid of it.

But I think the doctor is really necessary. Asthma is a serious condition and should be treated that way.

Andria

 

[RandyO]

Hello!!!


I am new to vaping and I have never smoked analogs because I am allergic to the tobacco plant.

Anyway, my husband is allergic to almost everything, but he really likes vaping. He says he never draws it into his lungs because it makes him cough. He used to smoke analogs alot, but stopped when we met because I don't date smokers. I'm not really sure what to do because he will sit and puff on his inhaler, and then puff on his mod and go back and forth like that. I read that nicotine is actually an anti inflammatory, so that shouldn't be irritating his lungs. I've heard about vp and pg allergies, but I am unsure of how to fix the problem if it is that.
I don't understand what is going on because I've had strong asthma for many years and vaping doesn't bother my lungs at all.


Help please, I don't know what I should do.

See your Allergist.. Asthma is typically an "allergic" reaction to some environmental.. As he is using his inhaler more than twice a day, going to assume this is a "wet" inhaler and if you look at the insert, it likely uses PG as a vehicle to carry the medication. Tends to eliminate the PG as the allergen..

Smokers can and do develop a "cough" post analog smoking.. As the tiny cilia regenerate (are damaged by analogs) and start pushing the garbage out of the lungs, it can cause a nasty cough (persistent many many months in some cases) Really not enough history here to guess at that but certainly not an unusual condition..

Previous post mentions the contents of the juice being a problem (far more likely).. Take a sample of your juice, stop and get some pure VG from your supplier and have your Allergist do a scratch test *(probably want to do a full set of panels provided your insurance is up to it).

"Dr, it hurts when I do this"... "Then don't do that" is probably some sage advice..

 

[AndriaD]

Smokers can and do develop a "cough" post analog smoking.. As the tiny cilia regenerate (are damaged by analogs) and start pushing the garbage out of the lungs, it can cause a nasty cough (persistent many many months in some cases) Really not enough history here to guess at that but certainly not an unusual condition..

Absolutely! I suffered a bad cold just when I started vaping, so by the time the cold was over and all the mucus was leaving, I was already down to like 5 cigarettes a day, from my previous 15-20, so a lot of the tar left me then, and once that was gone, my cough went with it. But now I'm just about at 3 months, and my cough has been getting worse over the past week-10 days, and I think it's the last of the tar finally leaving as the cilia regenerate and start 'sweeping' it out. However I realize that with asthma, I may never be entirely cough-free; coughing is required if your airways don't always work right, to keep everything cleared out in there, and it's also a good way to determine if you need the inhaler, if you hear a sort of 'whistling' sound in the cough.

It should also be considered that smoking and/or vaping is not the only thing that is not great for asthma. Chemicals are also a real trigger; I can't be in the same room with open ammonia or acetone *anything*, or my lungs just shut down; a slightly less intense but still bothersome reaction to pine-sol and some other household cleaners, though strangely, bleach doesn't bother me. Some perfumes knock me backwards, gasping for breath, away from whoever is drenched in it. Strong emotions also play a significant role; if I cry, I wheeze; if I laugh too much, I also wheeze, and if I'm stressed out for any reason, my inhaler doesn't leave my hand. So it might not even be the vaping that is causing the problem; I heard a quote recently that really struck home with me: correlation is not the same as causation.

Andria

 

[lambjr88]

Hello!!!
I am new to vaping and I have never smoked analogs because I am allergic to the tobacco plant.

Anyway, my husband is allergic to almost everything, but he really likes vaping. He says he never draws it into his lungs because it makes him cough. He used to smoke analogs alot, but stopped when we met because I don't date smokers. I'm not really sure what to do because he will sit and puff on his inhaler, and then puff on his mod and go back and forth like that. I read that nicotine is actually an anti inflammatory, so that shouldn't be irritating his lungs. I've heard about vp and pg allergies, but I am unsure of how to fix the problem if it is that.
I don't understand what is going on because I've had strong asthma for many years and vaping doesn't bother my lungs at all.


Help please, I don't know what I should do.

most people find a vendor that can adjust to the pg/vg levels now I'm not a doctor this is just my opinion but I have researched and found out that few people that vape have an allergic reaction to the pg level in the juice which that just means get a 100% vg juice of course with his flavor of choice if he continues to cough then he really does need to consult his doctor whether or not he should continue vaping or its some other problem but I have seen testimonies of vapors with asthma that have gone from puffin with a cigarette to puffin once a month or only during allergy season but that's all on the person of course another thing could be the nicotine level adjust that too it might help

 

[Stringplucker]

My suggestion...get him to the doctor. Be prepared...Doc may say he needs to stop vaping. My question is how long did he smoke and how many a day did he smoke?

 

[Sarin]

He coughs when he inhales into his lungs due to the vapour particles being bigger than cigarette smoke particles. This is exactly the same when people start smoking - the smoke particles are bigger than than the constituents of "air". You soon get used to it and lots of people fail to understand that just because you were a smoker of X amount years doesn't mean that you can just start sucking on an e-cig like a goodun. As for PG, it is a regular carrier in inhalers so you would have to assume that it has no effect on asthma, considering that the majority of asthma suffers use them? I'm not really sure what the problem is that you are trying to fix but if it his coughing them that's been covered earlier in this post.

On a different note, due to the increased size of the particles from vaping, less nicotine gets absorbed by the lungs. Areas of high nicotine uptake from vaporised e-liquid are the mouth and nasal lining.

 

[Taurek]

Thanks for your help guys,
he smoked for 2 years, and about three cigarettes a day. But considerably more when drinking. He is getting allergy shots right now because he is highly allergic to a lot of things (dust, dander, trees, flowers, almost everything...) so we usually go hypoalllergenic in almost everything we get. I'll have to check with the local e-cig spots to see if they can do a straight pg or straight vg. If pg is in inhalers I'm guess the vg would be his problem.
I'm also not sure if it is the e-cigs that are making him use his inhaler more or outside influences. I would feel really bad if it did turn up directly to the e-cig since I'm the one that got him into it and I don't really have any plans to quit. It helps my adhd without having to take narcotics.

 

[RandyO]

Thanks for your help guys,
he smoked for 2 years, and about three cigarettes a day. But considerably more when drinking. He is getting allergy shots right now because he is highly allergic to a lot of things (dust, dander, trees, flowers, almost everything...) so we usually go hypoalllergenic in almost everything we get. I'll have to check with the local e-cig spots to see if they can do a straight pg or straight vg. If pg is in inhalers I'm guess the vg would be his problem.
I'm also not sure if it is the e-cigs that are making him use his inhaler more or outside influences. I would feel really bad if it did turn up directly to the e-cig since I'm the one that got him into it and I don't really have any plans to quit. It helps my adhd without having to take narcotics.

That is not too much of a smoking habit
Allergy shots are only for certain environmentals (molds, pollen's, insects and their feces). Food allergies are another story, tough to treat and only limited success by those trying too.. Most Dr's wont bother unless there is some real need to try.. Aversion is the best route.. (brings up the subject of flavoring in the e-juice)
Allergy Shots:
Is he showing any wheel (redness around injection site) or bump, itching, scabbing?
When was he last tested? (2 year intervals are allowed by most insurance companies)

Our most useful system is the process of "elimination" to find the causes of many issues. It requires some diligence on your part but really is quite effective. This week, no milk, next week no gluten, next week no scented soaps/detergents, and so forth.. Be amazed at the results of this type of diagnosis.. you can do a better job than any Dr's office like this..

Possible that there is a second issue (allergen perhaps) that has him just to the edge of irritation and the "vape" just hits that tipping point.. A few of these "antagonists" include pets, carpet, basements, mold, smokers, wood fireplaces, house cleaning agents or just plain house dust..

You may want to create a "clean room" of sorts.. This is typically best done with your bedroom.. No carpet, pets, smoking (or vape) and keep it as clean as possible.. This gives the pt a good place for sleep and relief from allergens..


A " nitric oxide (eNO)" test might be helpful to determine the severity of his Asthma (Asthmatics produce copious amounts of nitric oxide in their exhalation)

We use this test to determine the severity as well as help to develop treatment plans...

At any rate, speak to his allergist about this next office visit (unless he can chat real fast at your next allergy shot?, heck you got 20 minutes to spare already )

We have clinical a study started on "Vape" vs "cigarettes" with Asthma/COPD in patients that smoke and migrate to "vape" (no dual users).. Results are encouraging to say the least..

Publication of this study is probably 2 years away yet so don't hold your breath waiting on results .

 

[vapero]

I too have asthma and when I quit cigarettes I was much more suseptible to an attack (cigarettes help to keep your asthma on check) but after my lungs got used to not smoking it went away

asthma is not triggered by vaping, it's triggered by not smoking anymore

 

[RandyO]

I too have asthma and when I quit cigarettes I was much more suseptible to an attack (cigarettes help to keep your asthma on check) but after my lungs got used to not smoking it went away

asthma is not triggered by vaping, it's triggered by not smoking anymore

Asthma triggers are as different as people with Asthma.

Have seen pt's have an attack just by thinking about one..(stress related).. The trick is knowing your own triggers and avoiding them..

Glad you are aware of yours.. is the first step towards a normal life..

 

[AndriaD]

Asthma triggers are as different as people with Asthma.

Have seen pt's have an attack just by thinking about one..(stress related).. The trick is knowing your own triggers and avoiding them..

Glad you are aware of yours.. is the first step towards a normal life..

Very true. I've often found that all that's necessary for me to have an asthma attack is to be out somewhere, and suddenly realize that I don't have my inhaler. BAM! Instant asthma attack. It doesn't happen much anymore, I've had asthma for about 30 yrs now, but at first I would sometimes forget it; I learned the hard way, more than once, to be SURE I have it!

Sometimes cold air in the winter can bring it on. Sometimes humidity in the summer brings it on. I wish science could figure out something hard and fast about it, because it seems the triggers are infinite; anyone with any degree of asthma cannot go 24 hrs without thinking about it and dealing with it. My own is very mild, no hospital visits necessary in 30 yrs, but it's a huge pain in the rear.

Andria

 

[Coelli]

What equipment is he vaping on?

Some of my builds/hardware I can take deep hits (mouth then lung) with no problem. Others (like a sub-ohm Kraken) make me cough.

 

[Taurek]

Well, he has used his inhaler far more than he should for a long time, but it has suddenly gotten really bad. He went through three inhalers in one day and it's freaking me out.
He does have redness and itching at the shot sites.
He vapes on a maraxus mod with a trident drip tip.
The apartment is really dirty right now because I have been so busy with finals I stopped cleaning for a few weeks. I also am trying to unpack the last boxes that we never had time to unpack.
He didn't have asthma problems until last summer right after he quit smoking and he started using my inhaler. It has really bothered me for a long time.
We have talked to his doctor a few times, but we are trying to find a new one because she is a complete idiot who doesn't do her job. She prescribed him advair, that twice a day puff thing, but it made his asthma worse so he wouldn't use it.

 

[RandyO]

Advair (a combi drug) can cause flair ups.. Acid reflux being one of the main culprits...
Can try to chase it with some Prilosec (takes a day or two to kick in) and talk to your current or new doctor.. They may move him to something else (Flovent is a common one)

Certainly nothing to be messing around with and they may actually offer him a nebulizer (yet another vape huh?) Hit the doctor up for some samples and keep a written log of meds, times and flair ups, foods eaten etc..

 

[AndriaD]

What he needs is ALBUTEROL!

I don't use any of those "maintenance" type asthma drugs; mostly I object to huffing up powder, I stopped doing that recreationally years ago and I'm not about to start again just for medicine. also -- have you ever listened to the list of side effects of those drugs -- they all have in tiny print (or really fast talking, on TV) something about "may include death." Uhh, no thanks! I did use Symbicort for a while, but it says it can cause osteoporosis, which runs in my family, and I'm already past 50, so I think I'll pass on that one too. I do fine with 8 puffs of albuterol per day, and as far as I know, it carries no "may include death" warnings.

I refuse on principle to use any drug which is likely to cause something worse than whatever I'm taking the drug for. That's just stupid.

Andria

 

[catilley1092]

What he needs is ALBUTEROL!

I don't use any of those "maintenance" type asthma drugs; mostly I object to huffing up powder, I stopped doing that recreationally years ago and I'm not about to start again just for medicine. also -- have you ever listened to the list of side effects of those drugs -- they all have in tiny print (or really fast talking, on TV) something about "may include death." Uhh, no thanks! I did use Symbicort for a while, but it says it can cause osteoporosis, which runs in my family, and I'm already past 50, so I think I'll pass on that one too. I do fine with 8 puffs of albuterol per day, and as far as I know, it carries no "may include death" warnings.

I refuse on principle to use any drug which is likely to cause something worse than whatever I'm taking the drug for. That's just stupid.

Andria

I also used Symbicort for my asthma, which gradually disappeared once I quit smoking. Was scared like crazy over the several "death" warnings in the included pamphlet. However, it was the only thing that helped long term at the time & my doctor always had samples.

Yes it does cause osteoporosis or osteopenia, as bone density tests showed it in me, as osteoarthritis runs in my family & was the cause of my needing a 4 level lumbar fusion, which has left me disabled & in near constant pain.

I also had a rescue inhaler (Proventil) but seldom needed it. Now that I'm vaping only, I don't need any of it.

There's the possibility that the e-juice could contain fragrance, some are cologne/perfume tasting. Maybe a switch of supplier would help. But stay away from Mt. Baker Vapor, there's are as cologne/perfume tasting than any that I've tried.

All the Best,
Cat