Do E-Cigarettes Have Side Effects?

When it comes to vaping, the conversation is often wrapped in mixed opinions and levels of understanding.

While vapes are often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, it's important to recognise that they are not without side effects. Intended for adults only looking to quit smoking, research into vape side effects is still at an early stage.

In this article, we explore the potential side effects of vaping based on medical research from the NHS, the British Heart Foundation, and other leading organisations, offering insights and practical advice for the correct informed use.

How Does a Vape Work?

Vapes are electronic devices that heat an e-liquid to create a vapour, which users inhale. This liquid usually contains nicotine but is also available nicotine-free. Vape juice added to a vape kit includes flavourings or sweeteners.

Two other important ingredients found in e-liquids are vegetable glycerine and propylene glycol. Known as VG and PG respectively for short, both are frequently used in the production of food and used in a variety of products such as medicines and cosmetics.

The vape coil inside the vape tank or pod acts as the heating element, turning that vape juice into vapour.

Of all the ingredients and components that work together to create an alternative to smoking, nicotine is the biggest cause of any side effects.

Is Vaping Safe?

Because we have had only twenty years since the birth of vaping technology, the statistics on the long-term safety or risk of vaping are still unknown. As it is a product that you inhale into your lungs, unless you are an adult smoker, vaping is not advised by any health professional.

However, what we do know is that vaping has considerably less dangerous chemicals than a cigarette, which has over 5000 hazardous toxins. And because cigarettes have been available for decades and legally available for purchase, organisations like the NHS suggest different alternatives, such as vaping, that may help you quit.

This is not recommended as a long-term solution but instead, a short-term familiar behavioural habit to cut out tobacco and yet remain with nicotine, gradually lowering with the aim that the person will someday quit both soon.

What are the Side Effects of Vaping?

Whether you choose to vape a freebase nicotine e-liquid or more recently popular nic salt vape juice, there can be side effects from both. As you learn from a young age, inhaling any substance into your lungs can pose a risk to your health. Even passive secondhand cigarette smoke is a danger to others in the area!

The side effects of vaping, while mild, can vary from person to person. Below are some general side effects of vaping:

• Shortness of breath or tight chest
• Cough and throat irritation
• Throat or mouth dryness
• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Heart palpitations

Many of these mild complications are often experienced by those who previously smoked. So that is why it is difficult for medical researchers to gather enough data to understand the effects of vaping. The closest link between the two which often leads to these minor temporary side effects, and yet harmless on its own as a substance is nicotine.

Nicotine and Its Effects

Nicotine is the primary addictive substance in both cigarettes and e-cigarettes. It is a stimulant that influences the nervous system, which can lead to several side effects, including:

1. Nicotine is a stimulant that can cause your heart rate to rise.
2. Increase in blood pressure from the continuous use of nicotine.
3. Dizziness or a feeling of nausea.

Freebase Vs Nic Salts Side Effects

Which type of nicotine e-liquid you vape depends on your habits and preferences to help you switch from smoking successfully.

Classic freebase nicotine is high in PG- like nic salts - but also has a higher PH level. In a pure form of nicotine, freebase is harsher on the throat and has a slower absorption rate. A closer comparison to smoking in terms of sensation, freebase nicotine is liked by many who make the switch.

But for those who seek a smoother throat hit that is gentler on the throat and less likely to cause irritation, nic salts are often preferred. With a citric acid or benzoic acid added, nic salts are absorbed faster into the system so you are meant to vape less frequently with nic salts, satisfying nicotine cravings at a quicker pace.

What Happens if You Vape Too Much?

It is easy to lose track of how much you are vaping, especially if you are used to a lower intake of nicotine. Vaping too much can lead to several side effects, from dehydration to dizziness. One way to tackle this issue is by finding a device with a puff counter (many offer this feature).

Too much of anything can be bad for you, even monitoring how much you eat and drink. Therefore, it is important to only puff the amount of nicotine that you need to, otherwise you run the risk of nicotine poisoning.

In addition, think about what it can do to you mentally. Too much nicotine when vaping can create side effects such as too much adrenaline, dependence on the chemical and frequency can lead to stress, high levels of anxiety and mental or physical fatigue.

Does Vaping Dehydrate You?

Dehydration is a common side effect of vaping. The primary culprit is propylene glycol, a substance found in vape juice that can draw water from your body. If you're experiencing dry mouth, increased thirst, or dry skin, it might be due to vaping. To combat dehydration, ensure you're drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated throughout the day.

Does Vaping Keep You Awake?

Nicotine is a known stimulant and can interfere with your sleep patterns. For some people, vaping close to bedtime can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. If you find that vaping is impacting your sleep, try to avoid using e-cigarettes in the hours leading up to your bedtime.

Why Do I Feel Lightheaded After Vaping?

Feeling lightheaded after vaping is a common experience, particularly for new users or those who have increased their nicotine intake. This sensation is typically due to the rapid absorption of nicotine into the bloodstream, which can cause a temporary drop in blood pressure. If you frequently experience lightheadedness, consider reducing your nicotine level or vaping less frequently.

Can Vaping Make You Dizzy?

Yes, vaping can cause dizziness, especially for those who are not accustomed to nicotine or are using high nicotine concentrations. The sensation is like that experienced by smokers who consume too much nicotine in a short period. To reduce this effect, consider lowering the nicotine level in your e-liquid or taking longer breaks between vaping sessions.

Tips for Safe Vaping

1. Stay Hydrated by drinking lots of water regularly to prevent mouth or throat dryness, taking sips regularly between puffs.
2. Track how much you vape with a puff counter, or jot down the frequency on your phone or on a notepad.
3. Self-awareness is key to adjusting how your body feels to vaping with or without nicotine at different stages of the journey.
4. Try to get a better rest at night by avoiding vaping at night, with your last vape a few hours before sleep.
5. Reduce your nicotine levels slowly, weaning yourself off. We advise starting at a nicotine strength that matches how many cigarettes you smoked per day.

Conclusion

We need to make it clear beyond doubt that vaping is only advised for adults who smoke cigarettes and are struggling to quit naturally. While it is a benefit that vaping as an alternative does not contain tobacco, it does still contain nicotine like cigarettes.

Side effects of vaping are still possible once you transition from smoking, but the very low level of chemicals and choice of nicotine strength means side effects are reduced compared to smoking.

Mild side effects such as sickness, headaches and sore throat can occur, so it is always best advised to keep puffs to the maximum you require to match your smoking habits. Then eventually it is ideal if you can quit both, as all medical organisations recommend.

Read our disclaimer on Vaping and Smoking Cessation