The early physical signs that vaping is damaging the body are frequently confused with a common cold, fatigue or dry air, according to a Russian medical expert.
Dmitry Bulanov, a candidate of medical sciences and director of pathomorphology and clinical cytology at the LabQuest laboratory in Russia, outlined the warning signs in an interview with the Russian news outlet Lenta.ru. LabQuest operates a network of diagnostic medical centres across the country.
Vapers should monitor whether they are clearing their throats more often, or experiencing a dry or scratchy throat and headaches, the doctor warned.
Electronic cigarettes work by heating a liquid to create an aerosol, which users then inhale. The liquids typically contain a base of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, along with flavourings and varying concentrations of nicotine.
Bulanov said the aerosol produced by vapes can contain microscopic particles, irritating substances and the chemical byproducts created by heating the liquid to high temperatures.
He cautioned that devices labelled as nicotine-free are still not harmless to the respiratory system. When inhaled, the chemical compounds and fine particles in the aerosol can cause inflammation and irritation in the lungs.
The doctor advised users to watch for recurring symptoms. If a person experiences discomfort immediately after taking a puff, or notices symptoms worsening on days when they use their device more frequently, they should stop vaping and seek medical advice.
He stressed that vapers should not dismiss a persistent cough as their body simply getting used to the device.
Early warning signs
While a tickle in the throat is not enough to confirm lung damage, as allergies and other illnesses cause similar issues, Bulanov said a lack of symptoms does not mean vaping is safe for the user.
A significant drop in physical stamina is a key warning sign, he added. If a person who previously climbed a flight of stairs without issue suddenly needs to stop and catch their breath, they should take notice.
Bulanov said anyone experiencing a new onset of breathlessness, a whistling sound when breathing or a feeling of tightness in their chest should be evaluated by a doctor. Health authorities globally have raised concerns about the respiratory impacts of vaping, as inhaling chemical aerosols can impair lung function over time.
If a mild cough or throat irritation continues after a person stops vaping, or if the symptoms keep returning, they should book an appointment with a general practitioner.
Signs of nicotine overdose
Vapers should also monitor how they feel immediately after using an electronic cigarette.
Symptoms including nausea, a spinning sensation, cold sweats, shaking and a noticeably fast heartbeat can be signs that the body is taking in too much nicotine. Nicotine is a highly addictive stimulant that can cause toxicity when consumed in large amounts, overwhelming the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Bulanov warned that anyone experiencing these physical effects must stop puffing on the device immediately.
The doctor said urgent medical attention is necessary if symptoms are severe or refuse to go away. Repeated vomiting, a sudden lack of energy and an altered state of consciousness are particularly alarming signs of a severe reaction.
Vapers should seek medical help the same day if they experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or a cough accompanied by a fever and a general decline in their health.
Risk of lung injury
Bulanov noted that respiratory issues are sometimes accompanied by stomach problems, including nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
He said this combination of symptoms can occur with lung damage linked to vaping, but it is also seen with common viral and bacterial infections. Because the two are impossible to tell apart without a medical examination, he said it is dangerous to delay seeing a doctor. Medical professionals use chest scans and other diagnostic tools to identify lung inflammation caused by vaping.
The medical expert urged people to call an ambulance immediately if they suffer from severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, or if they cannot speak a full sentence without stopping to breathe.
Blue lips, severe chest pain, fainting, confusion and seizures also require emergency medical care.
Seeking medical advice
When seeing a doctor, Bulanov said patients must be ready to explain what kind of device and liquid they were using, and whether the product contained nicotine or other chemicals.
Doctors will also need to know how often the person vaped and when their symptoms began. He suggested showing the doctor the packaging or a photograph of the liquid's ingredients to help them identify the problem faster and decide on the best course of treatment.
For people who have switched to vapes to quit smoking, Bulanov advised against going back to traditional cigarettes. Instead, he recommended discussing a safe plan to stop using nicotine with a medical professional.
Quitting nicotine can cause withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety and strong cravings. Medical professionals can offer support through nicotine replacement therapies, such as patches or gums, and counselling to help individuals overcome their dependence on the stimulant.
The warnings come as doctors report an increase in vaping-related health issues among young people in Russia.
Russian teenagers are experiencing premature greying of their hair in large numbers due to smoking electronic cigarettes and vapes. Over a single year, the number of minors visiting doctors for early grey hair increased by 36 percent.
Irina Ovchinnikova, a dermatologist, said scientific studies have already established a link between smoking and early greying. Hair gets its natural colour from melanin, a pigment produced by specialised cells in the hair follicle. The toxic chemicals and free radicals introduced into the body by smoking can cause oxidative stress, which damages these pigment producing cells and causes hair to turn grey or white prematurely.
