Concerns About Lung Damage After Vaping
Hello everyone, it's my first time here. I was directed from r/Anxietyhelp. I'm a 15-year-old female with a history of depression, but no other medical conditions, though I take a multivitamin and a supplement for hair, skin, and nails. Recently, I purchased a geek bar from a friend and ended up using it excessively for about two weeks until I began experiencing lung pain. By the end of that period, the device was down to around 38% of its capacity, which I estimated meant I had taken roughly 9,150 puffs during those two weeks. This feels like a significant amount to me. Once the discomfort began, I decided to give it to my girlfriend to destroy with a pickaxe, a decision I made about two weeks ago, and ever since, my lungs have started to feel considerably better. However, my condition seems to have worsened now; breathing has suddenly become more challenging and painful, and I've noticed a rattling sensation in my left lung. Additionally, my throat feels a bit sore as well. I have an albuterol inhaler, but it hasn’t alleviated the tightness or discomfort when I try to take deeper breaths. It's puzzling, as my doctor has given me an inhaler before, yet I’ve never been diagnosed with asthma. Here are a few pertinent experiences that might have contributed to my current situation: - In January, I took a long unfiltered drag from a joint, which caused significant discomfort for a bit afterward. I developed a mucus-y cough that lasted about a week but didn’t experience any breathing issues following that, and I eventually returned to normal. I assumed it only slightly irritated my lungs. - I have vaped on and off in the past years. In early 2023, I tried vaping for the first time, but I only took about one hit a week. Then on New Year’s Day 2025, I discovered a geek bar in a bathroom and used it for about a month, but not excessively since it was nearly empty when I found it. Neither of these instances caused me any breathing issues. - While not officially diagnosed, my therapist, family, friends, and teachers believe I may have some form of anxiety disorder. I'm truly terrified that I may have caused irreversible damage to my lungs and that I'll have to deal with these issues for the rest of my life. It disgusts me to think that at just 15, I might have already harmed one of my vital organs. The main reason I've hesitated to seek help is my fear of my mom’s reaction; I haven’t been able to bring myself to tell her because I know she’d be extremely upset. For the last two weeks, I’ve been obsessively worrying about this nonstop, to the point where I feel like I’m losing control! I’m not asking for a diagnosis, but any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Answers (1)
3/31/2025, 1:11:05 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your lung health after experiencing pain and discomfort, especially after using a vaping device excessively. Let's break down what you're feeling and discuss some steps you can take.
Main Points
- Vaping can irritate the lungs and lead to discomfort, especially with excessive use.
- Your symptoms are concerning, especially the difficulty in breathing and the rattling sensation.
- It's crucial to monitor your health and consider seeking support, even if it feels challenging.
Explanation
Vaping introduces various chemicals into your lungs, which can lead to inflammation and irritation. This may explain the lung pain and discomfort you're experiencing. The rattling sensation could indicate some mucus in your airways or another issue that needs attention.
Given your history of depression and anxiety, it's completely normal to feel overwhelmed by these health concerns. It's important to take your symptoms seriously, as they can indicate that your lungs are still irritated or struggling to recover.
Recommended Next Steps
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Stop All Vaping: You've already disposed of your previous device, which is a great first step. Continue avoiding vaping or smoking altogether.
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Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to help thin any mucus in your airways. Staying hydrated can ease throat soreness as well.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of how your breathing feels, particularly noting if the tightness worsens or any new symptoms appear. Write down any changes, as this will help you when you talk to someone about your health.
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Consider Seeking Help: It’s very important to talk to a healthcare provider about your symptoms. If you feel anxious about telling your mom, consider speaking to a trusted adult or counselor first who can support you in addressing your concerns.
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Practice Relaxation Techniques: Given your anxiety, try deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle yoga to help calm your mind and body. This might also assist with your breathing issues in the short term.
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Emergency Awareness: If you experience severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, or if your symptoms rapidly worsen, it’s essential to seek emergency medical care.
Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and taking care of your health now will benefit you greatly in the future. If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to ask!
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