However, vaping nicotine is not recognised as a cause of pleurisy. There are millions of e-cigarette users globally and there have been no reported cases of pleurisy linked to vaping nicotine. Furthermore, there is no plausible mechanism by which it could occur.
Vaping-Related Lipoid Pneumonia
Unlike the classic pneumonia caused by infection, lipoid pneumonia develops when fatty acids (the building blocks of fat) enter the lungs. Vaping-related lipoid pneumonia is the result of inhaling oily substances found in e-liquid, which sparks an inflammatory response in the lungs.
We present a case of a 64-year-old female with bilateral exudative pleural effusions secondary to vaping.
But what is clear is that e-cigarettes have been found to have chemicals and particles that have been linked experimentally to lung disease, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Vaping can also cause lung inflammation, which has been linked to chronic lung disease as well.
These aldehydes can cause lung disease, as well as cardiovascular (heart) disease. E-cigarettes also contain acrolein, a herbicide primarily used to kill weeds. It can cause acute lung injury and COPD and may cause asthma and lung cancer.
The Benefits of Quitting
Additionally, quitting vaping will improve your blood circulation and enable your lungs to begin healing. This will result in fewer coughing episodes and improved breathing ability during physical activity.
However, it typically takes years, even decades for those conditions to develop. But with vaping, we're seeing lung damage developing in much less time; often under a year.
If You've Vaped Too Much...
The most common and least serious situation is being nauseous or having a headache after vaping too much. Usually, if you stop vaping you'll feel better soon. It is key, though, to stop as soon as you feel any symptoms - if you try and power through it you'll only feel worse.
1: Vaping is less harmful than smoking, but it's still not safe. E-cigarettes heat nicotine (extracted from tobacco), flavorings and other chemicals to create an aerosol that you inhale. Regular tobacco cigarettes contain 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic.
What causes pleurisy? Most cases are the result of a viral infection (such as the flu) or a bacterial infection (such as pneumonia). In rarer cases, pleurisy can be caused by conditions such as a blood clot blocking the flow of blood into the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or lung cancer.
Pleurisy will usually get better on its own in a few days without treatment from a GP. If your symptoms are being caused by a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia, you may need antibiotics. You can ease the chest pain by: taking painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
If the cause is a viral infection, pleurisy may go away on its own. The pain and inflammation associated with pleurisy is usually treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others). Occasionally, your health care provider may prescribe steroid medication.
“While there is growing evidence to show that vaping is a risky behavior with potential long-term health consequences for users,” says Hariri, “our research also suggests that quitting can be beneficial and help to reverse some of the disease.”
The lung damage he has seen in patients is the equivalent to someone smoking cigarettes for decades. "It literally can kill you the first time you try it," he says.
There is no real "normal," and the puffs per day don't matter. The acceptable daily intake for nicotine varies based on several modes of life and biological factors. Since the system to calculate nicotine intake per puff isn't an exact science, it's better to satisfy your needs.
E-cigarettes are self-regulating and you can get to puff just the right amount provided you don't make changes to the amount recommended by manufacturers. The average number of puffs per day is between 132-140 and if you are puffing more than that then it's time for you to slow down.
A smoker typically puffs on a cigarette around 10-15 times before putting it out, so let's be conservative and estimate that puffing on a vape 15 times is approximately equal to smoking one cigarette. If that's the case, then a disposable vape that delivers 600 puffs is equal to about two packs of cigarettes.
Symptoms may include rapid breathing, nausea, a low blood-oxygen level, low blood pressure, confusion, and extreme tiredness. Wet lung can be caused by vaping cannabis, CBD oils or similar products, health officials say. Vaping is using a battery-powered device to heat liquid-based nicotine into an inhalable vapor.
Management and Treatment
The damage from popcorn lung can be severe and reversal isn't always possible. Management is likely to be more effective if your provider catches the disease early. The first thing you should do is avoid exposure to the chemicals that cause popcorn lung.
We're hearing a lot about vaping-related illness right now. Symptoms of vaping-related illness are very similar to symptoms that we see with illnesses such as pneumonia, cold, and flu. Symptoms could be a cough, shortness of breath, potentially difficulty breathing as well as nausea and vomiting.
Try changing your daily routine to avoid “triggers” that cause you to want to vape. It may be best to avoid certain situations in the early stages of quitting. Prepare for cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Learn about stress-reducing activities like meditation or taking a brisk walk to keep yourself busy.