Can Vaping Cause Headaches? Everything You Need to Know
Vaping can cause headaches in some people, depending on the nicotine level, dehydration, and sensitivity to chemicals in e-liquids. To prevent and treat vaping headaches, you should reduce your nicotine intake, drink plenty of water, switch to a different e-liquid, or take painkillers. You should also choose the best vaping devices and e-liquids to avoid headaches, such as those with low power, high resistance, and low PG/VG ratio.
What is Vaping, and How Does it Work?
Vaping is inhaling and exhaling vapor produced by an electronic device called a vape or e-cigarette. Unlike traditional cigarettes, vapes do not burn tobacco or produce smoke. Instead, they heat a liquid called e-liquid or e-juice, which contains nicotine, propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), and flavorings. The heated e-liquid turns into vapor, which the user then inhales.
Vaping is considered a safer alternative to smoking, as it exposes the user to fewer harmful chemicals and toxins. According to a study by Public Health England, vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking. Vaping can also help smokers quit or reduce their tobacco consumption, as they can choose the nicotine strength and flavor of their e-liquid.
However, vaping is not without risks. Vaping can still cause addiction, as nicotine is a highly addictive substance. Vaping can also adversely affect the lungs, heart, brain, and oral health. Some of the common side effects of vaping include coughing, dry mouth, sore throat, chest pain, shortness of breath, and headaches. By the way, we also have an article about Can Vaping Cause Heartburn
What Causes Vaping Headaches?
Headaches are one of the most common complaints among vapers, especially beginners. According to a survey by the Consumer Advocates for Smoke-Free Alternatives Association (CASAA), 12.9% of vapers reported experiencing headaches as a side effect of vaping. Vaping headaches can range from mild to severe and last a few minutes to several hours. Some of the leading causes of vaping headaches are:
- Nicotine: Nicotine is the main ingredient in most disposable vapes, and it is responsible for the addictive and stimulating effects of vaping. However, nicotine can also affect the blood vessels in the brain, causing them to constrict or dilate. This can alter the blood flow and pressure in the brain, triggering headaches or migraines in some people. Nicotine can also cause dehydration, which can worsen headaches. The higher the nicotine level in the e-liquid, the more likely it is to cause headaches. Therefore, vapers who use high-nicotine e-liquids, such as those with 18 mg/ml or more, are more prone to headaches than those who use low-nicotine e-liquids, such as those with 6 mg/ml or less.
- Dehydration: Dehydration is another common cause of vaping headaches, as it can affect the hydration and electrolyte balance in the body and brain. Dehydration can result from the propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) in the e-liquid, which are hygroscopic substances that absorb water from the surrounding environment. When vapers inhale the vapor, they also inhale the PG and VG, which can dry out their mouth, throat, and lungs. This can reduce saliva and mucus production, essential for keeping the mouth and throat moist and preventing infections. Dehydration can also cause the blood vessels in the brain to narrow, reducing the oxygen and nutrient supply to the brain cells, which can lead to headaches. Therefore, vapers who use high-PG or high-VG e-liquids, such as those with a 70/30 or 80/20 ratio, are more likely to experience dehydration and headaches than those who use balanced e-liquids, such as those with a 50/50 ratio.
- Sensitivity to chemicals: Sensitivity to chemicals is another possible cause of vaping headaches, as some people may be allergic or intolerant to some of the ingredients or flavorings in the e-liquid. Some common allergens or irritants in e-liquids include PG, VG, nicotine, artificial sweeteners, and synthetic or natural spices. These substances can cause inflammation and irritation in the mouth, throat, lungs, and sinuses, triggering headaches. Some symptoms of sensitivity to chemicals include itching, burning, swelling, redness, rash, hives, wheezing, sneezing, coughing, and nausea. Therefore, vapers who have a history of allergies or asthma or who use e-liquids with unknown or exotic ingredients or flavorings are more likely to suffer from headaches than those who use electronic cigarette liquids with known or simple ingredients or herbs.
How to Prevent and Treat Vaping Headaches?
Vaping headaches can be unpleasant and disruptive, but they can also be prevented and treated with some simple measures. Here are some tips and advice on how to deal with vaping headaches:
- Reduce your nicotine intake: One of the easiest ways to prevent and treat vaping headaches is to lower your nicotine level in the e-liquid. You can do this by choosing a lower-nicotine e-liquid, such as those with 3 mg/ml or less, or by using a nicotine-free e-liquid. You can also reduce your nicotine intake by vaping less frequently or less intensely, or by using a lower-power device or a higher-resistance coil. This way, you can still enjoy vaping without exposing yourself to too much nicotine, which can cause headaches.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is another essential way to prevent and treat vaping headaches. Water can help replenish the moisture and electrolytes lost due to vaping and improve blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the brain. You should aim to drink at least 2 liters of water per day, or more if you vape a lot or live in a hot or dry climate. You can also drink other fluids, such as juice, tea, or sports drinks, but avoid alcohol, coffee, or soda, as they can dehydrate you further and worsen your headaches.
- Switch to a different e-liquid: Another possible way to prevent and treat vaping headaches is to change your e-liquid to a different one that suits you better. You can choose a different PG/VG ratio, such as a balanced one with 50/50, or a distinct flavor, such as a mild or natural one. You can also try other brands or types of e-liquids, such as organic, salt-based, or CBD-infused ones. You may need to experiment with varying e-liquids until you find the one that works best for you and does not cause headaches.
- Take painkillers: Another simple way to treat vaping headaches is to take over-the-counter painkillers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or paracetamol. These medications can help relieve the pain and inflammation caused by vaping headaches and can also reduce the sensitivity to light and sound. However, you should not rely on painkillers too much, as they can have side effects, such as stomach ulcers, liver damage, or bleeding. You should also consult your doctor before taking any painkillers, especially if you have any medical conditions or allergies or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
