Whilst vaping is considered less harmful than smoking, there are still various side effects to be aware of. Impact on sleep, skin conditions and stomach problems, are examples.
LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor recently conducted a study of 500 adults who vape and found that:
- Almost half of adults (49%) vape even though they have never smoked
- More than 2 in 5 adults (43%) are not aware of how vaping can impact their health
Dr Bhavini Shah (GMC 7090158) from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor has told Digital Journal about eight lesser-known side effects that vaping can cause.
Oral health issues
“Vaping can decrease saliva production, resulting in dry mouth and throat, which raises the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Additionally, vaping may cause gum inflammation and increase the likelihood of periodontal disease, regardless of whether nicotine is present”, Shah observes.
She adds: “Vaping can also stain your teeth as while vapes don’t contain tar, the artificial flavourings found in vape liquids can trap stains in the enamel.”
Gastrointestinal problems
In relation to stomach issues, Shah finds: “The propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin in e-liquids can trigger nausea and vomiting, particularly in individuals sensitive to these ingredients. Some vapers may experience increased acidity, leading to heartburn and acid reflux, likely caused by chemicals irritating the stomach lining.”
“High amounts of nicotine are also responsible for nausea, especially if you are new to vaping or have recently increased your intake, as it’s a shock to your system. Many users may also experience dizziness if they vape consistently over a short period of time.”
Skin conditions
“The chemicals in e-liquids can cause skin irritation, leading to acne or allergic dermatitis, particularly around the mouth. Vaping can also dehydrate the skin, resulting in a dull complexion, wrinkles, or worsening of existing skin conditions”, explains Shah.
“It’s vital to know that the nicotine in e-cigarettes can constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the skin, preventing essential nutrients from reaching skin cells efficiently and contributing to premature ageing. Alongside this, various vape chemicals trigger skin inflammation and irritation, resulting in blemishes and breakouts.”
Impact on sleep
On sleep and rest, Shah alerts: “As a stimulant, nicotine can disrupt sleep patterns, often leading to insomnia or poor sleep quality. Research has suggested that for those with sleep apnea, vaping can further aggravate the condition by impacting the respiratory system.”
“In fact, a recent study conducted by the University of Surrey found that the sleep quality of vape users was significantly lower than that of their non-vaping peers, with more than three-quarters displaying symptoms of insomnia.”
Erectile dysfunction
For male reporductive health, Shah discovers: “Maintaining an erection requires a strong, steady flow of blood into the spongy tissue and muscles of the penis. As nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict, it reduces blood flow to all the organs, including the penis. This suggests that men who vape are at higher risk of experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED).”
“An American study examining the link between vaping and erectile dysfunction found that men who vaped were 2.4 times more likely to report erectile dysfunction than men who had never vaped. This may be because of nicotine’s effect on blood flow and in turn blood supply to the penis. However, this link is yet to be proven, and more research needs to be carried out.”
Mental health effects
“While many may feel an immediate high shortly after vaping, due to increased adrenaline raising the heart rate, respiration and blood pressure, evidence suggests that long-term nicotine addiction can exacerbate anxiety and depression, particularly in younger individuals”, Shah deduces.
“Nicotine in tobacco and e-cigarettes is highly addictive. Over time, the brain gets used to it, leading to cravings, difficulty quitting, and needing more to feel the same. Quitting can cause withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, hunger, and nicotine cravings.”
Nicotine poisoning
On toxins, Shah warns: “The high nicotine concentration in some e-liquids can pose a risk of nicotine poisoning, leading to symptoms like dizziness, an elevated heart rate, and severe nausea. Those who vape using high nicotine concentrations consistently are more likely to experience symptoms.”
“Any amount of nicotine ingestion has the potential to lead to toxicity and adverse effects. However, the amount of nicotine necessary for poisoning depends on the form of ingestion and a person’s physical state.”
She concludes: “The treatment for nicotine poisoning will depend on the side-effects and the amount of nicotine ingested. It’s important to seek medical attention if you’re concerned.”
Allergic reactions
With allergic reactions, Shah’s research shows: “Certain flavourings, preservatives and additives in e-liquids can trigger allergic reactions in some people, resulting in symptoms such as dermatitis, swelling, or respiratory distress.”
Pinpointing the active ingredient responsible, Shah notes: “Propylene glycol (PG) is a synthetic alcohol which can trigger reactions in those who are sensitive to it. It is often found in cosmetics, deodorants, and even some foods. However, it is also a base component of e-liquid and is usually mixed with vegetable glycerine. Individuals sensitised to propylene glycol can often develop dermatitis if there is skin contact.”
Shah sums up with: “If you’re concerned that you’re experiencing side effects from vaping, it’s important to stop using the product and consult your GP as soon as possible. They can assess your symptoms and decide the best course of action.”
