Can Vaping Cause Heartburn? What Do You Need to Know
Vaping is a popular alternative to smoking that involves inhaling and exhaling aerosol produced by an electronic cigarette or dry herb vaporizer. Vaping devices use a battery to heat a liquid that contains nicotine, flavoring, and other chemicals and turn it into a vapor that can be inhaled. Vaping is often seen as a safer option than smoking, as it does not produce tar, carbon monoxide, or other harmful substances found in tobacco smoke.
- Vaping is inhaling and exhaling aerosol from an electronic cigarette or similar device.
- Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest or throat caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus.
- Vaping can cause or worsen heartburn by irritating or damaging the esophagus, lowering the lower esophageal sphincter pressure, and increasing acid reflux.
- To manage heartburn symptoms, one should quit vaping, avoid spicy or acidic foods, lose weight, elevate the head of the bed, and take medications if needed.
- To choose the best vape device for one's health, one should consider the nicotine content, flavoring, chemicals, and heating mechanisms of different machines and follow some tips on how to vape safely and responsibly.
Nonetheless, vaping carries inherent risks, with heartburn being among them. Heartburn is a prevalent ailment afflicts many individuals, particularly following meals or reclining. It manifests as a fiery discomfort in the chest or throat, stemming from the regurgitation of stomach acid into the esophagus, a conduit linking the mouth and stomach. Given the esophagus's vulnerability to acid, contact with it can provoke inflammation, irritation, or harm.
Moreover, heartburn may serve as an indicator of a more severe condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), potentially giving rise to complications like esophageal ulcers, bleeding, constriction, or even cancer.
This article primarily addresses the question: Does vaping lead to or exacerbate heartburn?
To answer this question, we will look at how vaping affects the esophagus, how to manage heartburn symptoms, and how to choose the best vape device for your health. Read on to find out more.
How Vaping Affects the Esophagus
One of the main reasons why vaping can cause or worsen heartburn is that it can irritate or damage the esophagus. The liquid heated and vaporized in vaping devices contains various chemicals, such as propylene glycol, glycerin, flavoring agents, and nicotine, that may not be safe for the esophagus. Some chemicals can cause inflammation, dryness, or allergic reactions in the esophagus, especially if heated at high temperatures or used frequently.
For example, propylene glycol can dehydrate the mucous membranes of the esophagus and make them more prone to irritation. Some flavoring agents, such as cinnamon, menthol, or citrus, can also trigger or exacerbate heartburn by stimulating acid production or relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter.
Some studies have shown the association between vaping and esophagitis, which is the inflammation of the esophagus.
case report published in 2017 described a 35-year-old man who developed acute esophagitis after using an electronic cigarette for two weeks. The authors suggested that the e-cigarette liquid may have caused direct injury to the esophageal mucosa, leading to inflammation and ulceration.
Another study published in 2018 examined the effects of vaping on the esophageal epithelium, which is the lining of the esophagus, using human cell cultures.
The results showed that vaping reduced the viability and integrity of the esophageal epithelium and increased the expression of genes related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. The authors concluded that vaping may impair the barrier function and increase the esophagus's susceptibility to injury and disease.
Another way that vaping can cause or worsen heartburn is by lowering the lower esophageal sphincter pressure. The lower esophageal sphincter is a ring of muscle that acts as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach. It usually closes tightly to prevent the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. Still, it can relax or weaken due to various factors, such as smoking, obesity, pregnancy, or certain medications. When the lower esophageal sphincter pressure is low, acid reflux can occur more easily and frequently, causing heartburn and other symptoms. Nicotine, which is the addictive substance in tobacco and e-cigarettes, can lower the esophageal sphincter pressure by stimulating the release of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and acetylcholine, that affect the smooth muscle tone of the esophagus. Therefore, vaping can increase the risk of acid reflux and heartburn, especially if done after meals or before bed.
How to Manage Heartburn Symptoms?
If you are experiencing heartburn due to vaping or other causes, there are some steps you can take to manage your symptoms and prevent further damage to your esophagus. Here are some of them:
- Give up vaping to protect your esophagus and safeguard your overall health. Vaping has the potential to exacerbate heartburn and elevate the likelihood of various ailments, including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and cardiovascular disease. While quitting vaping may pose a challenge, there is a wealth of resources and support groups at your disposal to aid in your journey. Additionally, consulting with your healthcare provider about nicotine replacement therapy and other cessation medications can offer valuable assistance in your efforts to quit.
- Avoid spicy or acidic foods, which can trigger or exacerbate heartburn by irritating the esophagus or increasing stomach acid. This category includes spicy dishes, sour flavors, fatty foods, fried items, tomato-based sauces, chili, citrus fruits, garlic, onions, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, and peppermint. Keeping a food diary can assist you in identifying heartburn triggers to eliminate or limit.
- Lose weight. Being overweight or obese can put extra pressure on your abdomen and push the stomach contents up into the esophagus, causing acid reflux and heartburn. Losing weight can reduce this pressure and improve your symptoms. You can lose weight by following a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Aim for a moderate weight loss of 0.5 to 1 kg per week, and consult your doctor before starting any weight loss program.
- Elevate the head of the bed. Lying down flat can make it easier for the acid to flow back into the esophagus, especially at night. To prevent this, you can elevate the head of your bed by 15 to 20 cm using blocks, wedges, or pillows. This can create a slight incline that can keep the acid in the stomach and reduce the frequency and severity of heartburn. Do not use extra pads to prop up your head; this can bend your neck and increase the pressure on your abdomen.
- Take medications. Suppose lifestyle changes are not enough to control your heartburn. In that case, you may need to take over-the-counter or prescription medications to reduce the acid in your stomach or protect the esophagus. These include:
- Antacids like Tums, Rolaids, or Maalox can neutralize the acid and provide quick relief. However, they may not last long and cause side effects like diarrhea or constipation.
- H2 blockers, such as Zantac, Pepcid, or Tagamet, can reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach. They can be taken before meals or bedtime to prevent or treat heartburn. They may take 30 minutes to an hour to work and may last several hours.
- Proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec, Nexium, or Prevacid function by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for stomach acid production. While they offer superior and longer-lasting relief than H2 blockers, they might require several days to take effect. They can lead to side effects such as headaches, nausea, or diarrhea.
- If your heartburn persists or worsens despite attempting the remedies above, it is advisable to consult a medical professional without delay. A doctor can assess the cause and severity of your heartburn and recommend the appropriate treatment. In some cases, diagnostic tests like endoscopy, pH monitoring, or biopsies may be necessary to assess the condition of your esophagus and exclude any complications, such as GERD or esophageal cancer. Your doctor may also suggest surgical or non-surgical interventions like fundoplication, LINX, or Stretta to fortify the lower esophageal sphincter and prevent acid reflux.
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