Common Symptoms of Vaping Sickness
Feeling sick from vaping can manifest in a variety of ways, ranging from temporary discomfort to more serious, systemic problems. The specific symptoms you experience often depend on the amount of nicotine consumed, the chemicals in the e-liquid, and your individual sensitivity.
Nicotine Toxicity (Nic-Sick)
One of the most common reasons for feeling sick from vaping is an overdose of nicotine, often called "nic-sick." This can happen easily, especially with high-nicotine e-liquids or frequent, heavy use. [3]
Key symptoms of nicotine toxicity include: {Link: Strive Direct Health https://www.strivedirecthealth.com/post/nicotine-makes-me-feel-sick-strive-direct-health}, {Link: Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21582-nicotine-poisoning} [5]
E-cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI)
Another, more severe form of sickness related to vaping is EVALI. This condition was first widely identified during an outbreak in 2019 and is a serious, sometimes fatal, lung injury. [2.6] The symptoms of EVALI often develop gradually over several days or weeks and are primarily respiratory. [2]
Signs of EVALI to watch for include: {Link: Yale Medicine https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/evali} [2]
EVALI has been strongly linked to vaping products containing THC, especially those purchased from informal sources, but cases involving only nicotine e-cigarettes have also been reported [2].
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Effects
The duration and type of sickness can distinguish between temporary reactions and chronic health problems. [4] Mild symptoms like dizziness or nausea from excess nicotine usually resolve within a few hours of stopping use [3.4]. Symptoms of EVALI can appear days or weeks after vaping and may require extensive medical treatment [2]. Long-term vaping can lead to persistent health issues, including chronic cough, shortness of breath, and an increased risk of developing chronic lung diseases like asthma and COPD, even after stopping use [1, 6]. For instance, a study funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute found that e-cigarette use significantly increases the risk of chronic lung disease [1].
Comparison Table: Nicotine Overdose vs. EVALI
| Feature | Nicotine Overdose (Nic-Sick) | E-cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Rapid (minutes to an hour) [3] | Gradual (days to weeks) [2] |
| Primary Symptoms | Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, increased heart rate | Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, fever [2] |
| Gastrointestinal Symptoms | Common and immediate [3] | Can occur, but not always the primary complaint [2] |
| Respiratory Symptoms | Not typically present in a mild overdose [3] | Primary and most severe symptom [2] |
| Common Cause | Excessive nicotine intake [3] | Chemical exposure, particularly vitamin E acetate in THC products [2] |
| Typical Duration | Few hours to a day [4] | Weeks or longer, often requires hospitalization [2] |
What to Do When You Feel Sick from Vaping
If you believe you are feeling sick due to vaping, your course of action depends on the severity of your symptoms.
- For mild nic-sick symptoms: Immediately stop vaping, rest, and drink plenty of water to help your body process the nicotine. [4] These symptoms typically resolve on their own once your body has eliminated the excess nicotine. [4]
- For severe symptoms: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe headache, persistent vomiting, or difficulty breathing. [5] Be prepared to inform medical staff about your vaping habits. [2]
Prevention and Quitting
The best way to prevent feeling sick from vaping is to reduce or eliminate your use. Vaping, even without nicotine, exposes your lungs to potentially harmful chemicals and ultrafine particles. [6]
- Reduce Nicotine Strength: Switch to lower-nicotine e-liquids. [3]
- Use Mindfully: Pay attention to your body's signals and stop immediately if you feel discomfort. [4]
- Consider Quitting Resources: Many resources are available to help you quit. Organizations like the American Lung Association offer valuable programs and information. Visit their website at {Link: American Lung Association https://www.lung.org/quit-vaping/vaping-e-cigarettes} for resources. [4]
- Avoid Informal Sources: Avoid purchasing products from unofficial sources as they may contain dangerous, undisclosed chemicals. [2]
Conclusion
What does getting sick from vaping feel like? It feels like a warning from your body [4]. Whether it is the acute, temporary sickness of a nicotine overdose or the more severe, and potentially life-threatening, respiratory distress of EVALI, feeling unwell is a clear indicator that the substance is harming you [2, 3, 4]. Understanding the different symptoms and their underlying causes is crucial for making informed decisions about your health [2, 3, 4]. By recognizing the risks and taking proactive steps to quit or reduce your use, you can protect yourself from both the short-term and long-term health consequences of vaping [1, 4, 6].
