OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Concerns After Two Weeks of Vaping: A Personal Experience

9/12/2025, 12:50:23 PMMale25-34

At the age of 16, I recently tried vaping for a couple of weeks while hanging out with friends. Although I don’t find it enjoyable and don’t feel addicted, I started experiencing shortness of breath and chest discomfort. Concerned about my symptoms, I scheduled a visit to my doctor. After conducting a check-up, which included assessing my vitals and listening to my heart and lungs, the doctor assured me that everything appeared to be normal and within acceptable limits. Despite the doctor's reassurances, I’m feeling anxious about my health. However, I’ve been maintaining a balanced diet and staying active, which leaves me uncertain about the seriousness of my situation. One thing is for sure: this experience has made me decide never to vape again!

COPDEndocrinologyRheumatology

Answers (1)

Cony

9/12/2025, 12:50:40 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's great to hear that you've decided to stop vaping, especially after experiencing concerning symptoms. The shortness of breath and chest discomfort you noted could happen in some individuals, even after a short period of vaping, but it’s good to know that your doctor found your vitals normal. It's understandable to feel anxious about your health, especially with new symptoms.

Explanation:

Vaping can lead to various respiratory symptoms, even in short-term users, due to inhaling chemicals that can irritate the lungs. The fact that your doctor conducted a thorough examination and found no immediate issues is reassuring. It’s also positive that you are maintaining a balanced diet and staying active, which are beneficial for lung health and overall well-being.

Next Steps:

  1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your breathing and chest discomfort. If you notice these symptoms worsen or new symptoms arise, document them.

  2. Practice Deep Breathing: Engage in deep breathing exercises to help alleviate shortness of breath. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale gently through your mouth.

  3. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water. Staying well-hydrated supports lung health and helps clear out any irritants.

  4. Limit Irritants: Avoid exposure to smoke, strong odors, or pollutants that could further irritate your lungs.

  5. Seek Support: If your anxiety persists or you find it impacting your daily life, consider talking to a counselor or therapist who can help you manage anxiety related to health concerns.

Your health is important, and it's commendable that you're taking steps to improve it. If your symptoms continue or you have further concerns, stay proactive in addressing them. Don’t hesitate to revisit your doctor for another opinion or further evaluation if needed.

Related Questions

Lower Lip Abscess in a Young Child

My four-year-old is dealing with a lower lip abscess. What began as a small crater on his lip last Sunday rapidly progressed to a pus-filled lesion by Monday night. By Wednesday evening, we managed to see a pediatrician who admitted him for intravenous antibiotic therapy. Since being hospitalized on Wednesday night, he has been receiving Sulvacil through an IV. A general surgeon evaluated him yesterday but chose not to perform an incision for drainage, stating that managing a lip wound would be quite challenging at his age. Currently, I'm feeling uncertain about the progress of his condition, as the abscess appears to still contain pus. It seems to swell and then reduce in size only to fill up again. Despite this, my child remains lively and has a good appetite, though he does experience discomfort when trying to chew. I’m left wondering if we are observing any tangible improvement, or if it might still be too soon to judge the situation?

Multiple SclerosisInternal MedicineEndocrinology
Male25-34
59 minutes ago

Calf Muscle Spasms After Protests

Recently, I took part in a school protest that lasted around four hours. Afterward, on my way home, I experienced a leg cramp that lasted for about ten minutes. Initially, I brushed it off, thinking it was just muscle soreness, which I figured was a normal response. Fast forward to two days later, my calf muscle feels completely stiff, making it almost impossible for me to bend my leg properly. I can barely walk without having to stand on my toes. My calf seems unusually hot, quite hard, and has been twitching frequently. Should I be concerned, or is this something that could resolve on its own? I'm feeling anxious about it. Just for context, I'm a 17-year-old female, and I don't take any medications. I doubt hydration is an issue since I drink plenty of water. While I'm not the most athletic individual, I do walk around quite a bit in my city.

ArthritisFibromyalgiaCOPD
Male25-34
59 minutes ago

Dealing with Esophageal Cramping and Heartburn while on Oral Minoxidil

Hello everyone. I’m a 37-year-old male who frequently experiences alopecia areata, particularly during stressful periods at work. Recently, my dermatologist recommended oral minoxidil in 2.5mg capsules to speed up my hair restoration process. Since I began this treatment, I’ve encountered several side effects, including elevated heart rate, dizziness, shortness of breath, heartburn, and esophageal cramps, albeit not all at once. Most of these issues have subsided, but the cramps and intermittent heartburn persist. I find the cramps tend to occur after meals, accompanied by a sensation as if I can feel the food moving through my esophagus; this uncomfortable feeling can linger for hours before fading, only to return with my next meal. The discomfort isn’t severe enough to incapacitate me, but it can be quite bothersome, with some days being better than others. Should I consider halting the medication, or should I wait until my next scheduled appointment to discuss this? I live in a rural area, making it difficult to find sooner availability, as the next appointment isn’t for another month. I appreciate any advice you might have!

Thyroid DisordersInternal MedicineEndocrinology
Male25-34
2 hours ago

Excruciating Nerve Sensitivity

Greetings, everyone. I recently underwent surgery to address a cervical rib issue on the left side, utilizing the transaxillary method. Today marks ten days since the procedure was performed last Wednesday. I was discharged from the hospital Saturday morning and felt fine initially, aside from the typical discomfort associated with surgery such as pain, numbness, and some swelling in my left arm, which limited mobility. My surgeon assured me this was normal. However, come Monday morning, I experienced a sudden sensation that I initially thought was pain in my left hand, predominantly affecting my pinky, ring, and middle fingers, extending to my arm and shoulder. A visit to the doctor clarified that this was not just pain—I was experiencing hypersensitivity, specifically involving the ulnar nerve. A week has passed, and the intensity of the hypersensitivity is unmanageable. It feels as if my hand is simultaneously being burned, stabbed, and electrocuted. I have been prescribed medication like pregabalin, yet it only provides temporary relief lasting no more than an hour or two. While the swelling in my arm has subsided, the hypersensitivity and numbness continue unabated. Although I can move my arm and hand to a degree, my strength is noticeably reduced, which may be a lingering effect from the surgery. I was concerned there might be a hematoma at the incision site irritating the brachial plexus, but an ultrasound revealed no signs of blood accumulation. I'm currently in a challenging predicament and would deeply appreciate any suggestions or remedies you might offer, as the discomfort has become unbearable; at this point, I'd even consider amputation of my arm over enduring this agony.

Multiple SclerosisFibromyalgiaCOPD
Male25-34
3 hours ago

[30M] Intermittent Crackling Noise from Chest Area

Hello everyone, I've been experiencing a crackling sound that occurs occasionally when I laugh heartily or cough. It seems to originate from my chest, but I'm not entirely sure if it might also be related to my throat. Interestingly, there’s no mucus or phlegm that surfaces when this happens. Despite my attempts, I can’t reproduce the sound by quickly exhaling or taking deep breaths. I don't struggle with wheezing or experience shortness of breath. There’s a persistent cough I’ve had since dealing with the flu last December, but I can recall having these sounds before that incident. Additionally, I suffered from asthma as a child, which I suspect could be a contributing factor. I'm planning to schedule an appointment with my primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation, ideally including an X-ray. Meanwhile, I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights you might have. Thank you in advance!

AsthmaCOPDInternal Medicine
Male25-34
3 hours ago