I had a very similar issue. I found out it was cotton causing all my issues. Had to drop the kayfuns, and go back to a clearomizer like the aero tank mega. Sinus problems cleared up and heavy lung issues went away too.
Vaping and Reduced Lung Capacity (Long Post)
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Hey guys, reporting in.
It's been over 2 full days without any vaping whatsoever. I can still feel a bit of "reduced lung capacity", but it is improving rapidly without any vaping. I don't feel like I am having any panic attacks or chest tightness...just having to breathe a little bit deeper laying in bed before falling asleep.
I definitely miss my nicotine; there's no doubt about it, but if that's what needs to happen to gain my health back, then whatever. I haven't scheduled anything with my doctor yet, but I will when I am off work on Tuesday.
Another choice I have to make now is after I see the doctor (depending on what they say), do I just stop vaping altogether? I still enjoy the social aspect, the knowledge, the camaraderie, and even the small addiction to it, but if it is gonig to impact me negatively, I'd rather drop it altogether. I have a feeling that the negative impact on my health is from something I was doing differently, whether it be using cotton, high VG, subohming, etc, etc. If it is nothing absolutely serious, I plan on picking up a basic clearo like the Aerotank Mega and some silica heads, along with more 50/50 juice (maybe even higher PG level) at 3 or 6mg.
This is very interesting, as I only use organic cotton. Boiled it in distilled water and microwaved dry. It has been sitting in a bag for half a year, but never had I thought that it could be the cotton. Once again, yet another variable that could potentially be the problem.
Once again, thanks to everyone here for the feedback. When I saw my thread had 5 pages, I was nervous about what some users would say. You can trust that I am making the right decisions. I will report back with what the doc says and how I feel after a week of no vaping.
It's been over 2 full days without any vaping whatsoever. I can still feel a bit of "reduced lung capacity", but it is improving rapidly without any vaping. I don't feel like I am having any panic attacks or chest tightness...just having to breathe a little bit deeper laying in bed before falling asleep.
I definitely miss my nicotine; there's no doubt about it, but if that's what needs to happen to gain my health back, then whatever. I haven't scheduled anything with my doctor yet, but I will when I am off work on Tuesday.
Another choice I have to make now is after I see the doctor (depending on what they say), do I just stop vaping altogether? I still enjoy the social aspect, the knowledge, the camaraderie, and even the small addiction to it, but if it is gonig to impact me negatively, I'd rather drop it altogether. I have a feeling that the negative impact on my health is from something I was doing differently, whether it be using cotton, high VG, subohming, etc, etc. If it is nothing absolutely serious, I plan on picking up a basic clearo like the Aerotank Mega and some silica heads, along with more 50/50 juice (maybe even higher PG level) at 3 or 6mg.
This is very interesting, as I only use organic cotton. Boiled it in distilled water and microwaved dry. It has been sitting in a bag for half a year, but never had I thought that it could be the cotton. Once again, yet another variable that could potentially be the problem.
Once again, thanks to everyone here for the feedback. When I saw my thread had 5 pages, I was nervous about what some users would say. You can trust that I am making the right decisions. I will report back with what the doc says and how I feel after a week of no vaping.
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Glad to here you are improving. I hope all goes well when you go to the docs on tues.
Hope everything ends up OK wih your lung health. In the meantime, I have very simple advice for you and all the cloud chasing vapers out there.
Don't treat vaping like it's a sport. If you do, it most likely will kill you. That's just common sense as you are introdusing soemthing to your lungs in such a way that your lungs were not made for it. Treat it as a means of relaxing enjoyment instead and practice moderation.
It's like having a beer every night or slamming beer b0ngs every day. Which one do you think's gonna kill you?
Mature, civil vaping with smaller devices using reasonable mouth to lung hits is like smelling a flower whereas taking deep, direct lung hits off a mega vapor producing mod is like sniffing the flower so hard that you actually snort it right up your nose.
Don't treat vaping like it's a sport. If you do, it most likely will kill you. That's just common sense as you are introdusing soemthing to your lungs in such a way that your lungs were not made for it. Treat it as a means of relaxing enjoyment instead and practice moderation.
It's like having a beer every night or slamming beer b0ngs every day. Which one do you think's gonna kill you?
Mature, civil vaping with smaller devices using reasonable mouth to lung hits is like smelling a flower whereas taking deep, direct lung hits off a mega vapor producing mod is like sniffing the flower so hard that you actually snort it right up your nose.
Hey guys, sorry for the long break there; I almost forgot that I had this thread going.
So I went to the doc. I'll make a long story short:
EKG, blood test, and chest xrays all came back good. 10 deep breaths with a stethoscope and still good. The doc was surprised I was having trouble breathing.
She gave me a number for a recommended cardiologist, who I am currently waiting to see next week. I did happen to have a "leaky heart valve" early on that fixed itself by the time I was 3 years old, so I want to pursue a cardiologist just to ensure it's not a deeper problem that is going undetected. She said from what she can tell, there is nothing "blaring at her" that screams problematic, which is of course a good initial sign. They're also going to check my blood for hyperthyroidism and get back to me, which could potentially explain the breathing problems. She did prescribe me a small amount of low dosage pills in case it does have to do with anxiety, but I am still pretty sure that isn't the problem.
Otherwise, it's been about 2 weeks no vaping. I still feel some "reduced lung capacity". I need to keep that expression in quotations because it really emcompasses a few obscure and uncomfortable chest problems. It's not nearly as bad as before when I would have a few vapes here and there though.
TL;DR - I'm doing okay and there are no blaring problems that the doc could see. Heading to a cardiologist soon.
So I went to the doc. I'll make a long story short:
EKG, blood test, and chest xrays all came back good. 10 deep breaths with a stethoscope and still good. The doc was surprised I was having trouble breathing.
She gave me a number for a recommended cardiologist, who I am currently waiting to see next week. I did happen to have a "leaky heart valve" early on that fixed itself by the time I was 3 years old, so I want to pursue a cardiologist just to ensure it's not a deeper problem that is going undetected. She said from what she can tell, there is nothing "blaring at her" that screams problematic, which is of course a good initial sign. They're also going to check my blood for hyperthyroidism and get back to me, which could potentially explain the breathing problems. She did prescribe me a small amount of low dosage pills in case it does have to do with anxiety, but I am still pretty sure that isn't the problem.
Otherwise, it's been about 2 weeks no vaping. I still feel some "reduced lung capacity". I need to keep that expression in quotations because it really emcompasses a few obscure and uncomfortable chest problems. It's not nearly as bad as before when I would have a few vapes here and there though.
TL;DR - I'm doing okay and there are no blaring problems that the doc could see. Heading to a cardiologist soon.
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Glad to hear from you. I think you realize that there are a number of people really interested in your situation, me included. Glad to hear you are going to see a cardio, especially given your leaky valve as a child. I wish you the best and please do keep us posted if you can.
Yeah I get that sometimes too. I vape sub-ohm at night when I'm home on my PC reading. I get have that tightness in my chest sometimes for me I think it's certain flavors that do it. At first I thought it was the high VG. But now I'm thinking it's certain flavors because now I'm using Strix Elixirs Tico Tico in my cloud chasing setup and having no problems. But when I use my Green Apple I'll get a heaviness in my chest. I have Asthma too so I have an inhaler and that helps when I get that feeling. So for me I think it's that my airway get irritated by some flavors and starts closing up. But definitely go talk to you doctor about it. Mine told me to keep vaping since it's keeping me off of cigs.
Got nothing to add. Just wanted to say thanks for raising a valid concern and interesting topic in a very non-inflammatory way.
My buddy won't fully convert to vaping from cigs, because it makes his lungs feel "heavy". I figured it was his body reacting to quitting analogs, he did switch for a couple weeks so I figured that was to be expected. He was using my old school rig, ego battery with Evod tank. Nothin crazy. After seeing this I may be able to help em fully kick the cigs. Good luck, and like everyone else I'd like to know how things go so we hope to hear from ya. Thanks for this thread!
I definitely am a bit of a hypochondriac,, but I think I might have developed and am experiencing hyperthyroidism. The symptoms are pretty much spot on. Gonna get a hold of my doc and see when that TSH blood test comes back.
...Darn multivitamin pills and your overabundance of iodine...
...Darn multivitamin pills and your overabundance of iodine...
Interesting topic, thanks for raising it. Nicotine causes temporary constriction of the blood vessels, and can cause feelings of panic. Same feelings of panic can also come from nicotine withdrawal, which can come quite quickly. As others have said, panic, can lead to physical symptoms. You may just have become hyper-sensitive to nicotine (even very low amounts).
If you can still run for an hour, without any problems, or noticeable loss of performance, I suspect there is no underlying issue, as your visits to your doctor may have proven.
I noticed VG made me cough like a smoker (but a more pleasant cough), VG being heavier (larger particles) definitely gets into the lungs. I initially had bad reactions to vaping PG, but these have eased with time, to almost no bad effects - guess my body has got used to it. Worth dropping VG, in any amount, and start cautiously with 100% PG, and see how you get on.
Good luck. Don't overdo the vitamin pills.
If you can still run for an hour, without any problems, or noticeable loss of performance, I suspect there is no underlying issue, as your visits to your doctor may have proven.
I noticed VG made me cough like a smoker (but a more pleasant cough), VG being heavier (larger particles) definitely gets into the lungs. I initially had bad reactions to vaping PG, but these have eased with time, to almost no bad effects - guess my body has got used to it. Worth dropping VG, in any amount, and start cautiously with 100% PG, and see how you get on.
Good luck. Don't overdo the vitamin pills.
Glad to hear you're getting checked out. Keep us updated. My first thought was sub ohming may cause tooooo much VG or PG vapor over a long period of time.
You mentioned that you're still having a bit of a problem, so I'd like to suggest that you check your home and office for air quality too, if your heart condition comes back as fine.
You mentioned that you're still having a bit of a problem, so I'd like to suggest that you check your home and office for air quality too, if your heart condition comes back as fine.
Good points Hulamoon. We can get poisoned by all sorts of things in the air. Carbon Monoxide from faulty gas stove or boiler, blocked/partially blocked chimney for solid fuel fires, as well. Exposure to road traffic fumes, weather related thermal inversion trapping pollutants in an area. Exposure to asbestos particles, even from many years ago. The list is a long one.
Or, he can do as my brother did, and still does. He vapes, but doesn't inhale. Still keeps him off the smokes and nic gets into system thru mucos membranes in mouth, nose, etc.
I often do not inhale, sometimes I vape all day long and never inhale, just blow out my nose.
Yep, all of those things plus black mold and fungus - specially if there's a broken pipe in the wall - it can be a shared wall between two houses/apartments and you wouldn't know unless you were told. Some people have no reaction while others can have terrible and long lasting effects from it.
One small suggestion from a guy who spent decades in the medical field. There's an old saying, "see one - have one" as it relates to symptoms of serious disease - especially those that are rare and hard to diagnose . Early on I just knew I had every disease that came along. In this day and age of 'instant information' the internet is a wonderful 'tool'; it can also be and often IS our worst enemy.
The OP has gone from experiencing a "heavy chest" and thinking it might be related to 'vaping' to now 'semi-diagnosing' himself with "hyperthyroidism". While certainly a 'possibility' - he is basing his assumption in part on information he read on the 'internet' which is one of the worst places to seek medical information for one who admits, "I definitely am a bit of a hypochondriac..."
The OP is focused on ONE symptom and that single symptom encompasses a multitude of potential medical conditions. He has finally seen his doctor, had a basic evaluation and tests were ordered and potentially will do one of three things: -1- Reveal a metabolic disorder. -2- Rule out a metabolic disorder. -3- Indicate further testing is in order.
Diagnosing common disorders can be quite straightforward if the proper tests are performed; not so common disorders require specific testing or they may well simply be 'missed'. Patients who research information on the internet find a multitude of possibilities yet, they often "immediately know" they have a specific disorder. Their conclusion is formed simply because their doctor ordered tests which will hopefully confirm OR rule disease or diseases.
Yes, the internet is wonderful 'tool', however, for patients who are, "...a bit of a hypochondriac" it is best avoided. The OP will do himself a greater service by allowing his doctor to do the "diagnosing". The "anxiety" others have mentioned can be a very real issue (even though the OP says he has no anxiety) and the internet generalities can easily exacerbate symptoms. Avoiding the internet can go a long way to minimize the, ""see one - have one" syndrome.
Senile Old Man Donnie
The OP has gone from experiencing a "heavy chest" and thinking it might be related to 'vaping' to now 'semi-diagnosing' himself with "hyperthyroidism". While certainly a 'possibility' - he is basing his assumption in part on information he read on the 'internet' which is one of the worst places to seek medical information for one who admits, "I definitely am a bit of a hypochondriac..."
The OP is focused on ONE symptom and that single symptom encompasses a multitude of potential medical conditions. He has finally seen his doctor, had a basic evaluation and tests were ordered and potentially will do one of three things: -1- Reveal a metabolic disorder. -2- Rule out a metabolic disorder. -3- Indicate further testing is in order.
Diagnosing common disorders can be quite straightforward if the proper tests are performed; not so common disorders require specific testing or they may well simply be 'missed'. Patients who research information on the internet find a multitude of possibilities yet, they often "immediately know" they have a specific disorder. Their conclusion is formed simply because their doctor ordered tests which will hopefully confirm OR rule disease or diseases.
Yes, the internet is wonderful 'tool', however, for patients who are, "...a bit of a hypochondriac" it is best avoided. The OP will do himself a greater service by allowing his doctor to do the "diagnosing". The "anxiety" others have mentioned can be a very real issue (even though the OP says he has no anxiety) and the internet generalities can easily exacerbate symptoms. Avoiding the internet can go a long way to minimize the, ""see one - have one" syndrome.
Senile Old Man Donnie
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Hmmm at this point you need to get to a Pulmonologist that will work closely with your Family Practice/IM doctor.
and I'll throw it out there because I've seen it so many times and talk about hard on the lungs..e juice is ALL you're vaping? (given the anxiety issue and your age)
that stuff will tear your lungs up.
sorry you're having the issues but as with anything if it's making you sick STOP IT, until you can figure it out with your healthcare professional. Be honest with them about ALL substances. They're mostly "cool" about those things these days and want to get your breathing improved. Take care!
and I'll throw it out there because I've seen it so many times and talk about hard on the lungs..e juice is ALL you're vaping? (given the anxiety issue and your age)
that stuff will tear your lungs up.
sorry you're having the issues but as with anything if it's making you sick STOP IT, until you can figure it out with your healthcare professional. Be honest with them about ALL substances. They're mostly "cool" about those things these days and want to get your breathing improved. Take care!
Israfil brought up a good point I stand behind.
Environment adjusted ratio.
That's that the ratio of pg/vg can and should be adjusted to your environment. If you live in a high humidity environment and vape 100vg your lungs will be so moist that they will be heavy. Vape 100pg in an arid climate and you will be dry as a bone.
Seasonal changes also affect the optimum ratios.
High vg with high humidity the lungs will get heavy, like being in a sauna for too long.
*Flavors could always be a possibility.
Environment adjusted ratio.
That's that the ratio of pg/vg can and should be adjusted to your environment. If you live in a high humidity environment and vape 100vg your lungs will be so moist that they will be heavy. Vape 100pg in an arid climate and you will be dry as a bone.
Seasonal changes also affect the optimum ratios.
High vg with high humidity the lungs will get heavy, like being in a sauna for too long.
*Flavors could always be a possibility.
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