Is it time to give up vaping?

[Chezgreendream]

Hello everyone, I have experienced something last week that I have never experienced before, when combusting or vaping weed.

I believe it was due to the night before of using my Enano and water tool to take monster hits at the temp range of 7. At 7 it is already roasting the weed, its usually harsh at this temp, but bearable, its somewhere between 410-428 F..... I dont really like vaping for extended periods of time because of privacy and time constraints, so my goal has always been big and fast, as that is what has been working out for me so far.

Though, I think the hit was so big and harsh that during the middle of the hit, I was interrupted by a big cough. I immedeatly felt dryness in my throat accompanied by a scratchy feeling. The next morning I had a sore throat and hacked up some phlegm with fresh blood in it.

This, as you can imagine was very alarming to me.

The blood in the phelgm only happened that day and that one time. Its been a week and although my scratchy dry throat has gotten better, I can still feel some of the after effects, especially when being near a heater.

I know that its not wise asking for medical advice from anyone other than a doctor, but rather I wanted to know if this is a common thing that happens when taking large hits at a high temperature, or should I just give up vaping all together. Frankly, I am having doubts about going back to vaping. Thanks for your attention and suggestions.

 

[Derrrpp]

Hmm... Maybe you just coughed hard enough to injure your bronchi?

Might be a good idea to go to the doc and get it checked out though, especially if it happens again. Coughing up blood can be a symptom of other serious maladies.

 

[ginolicious]

When I was a heavy smoker and was sick my loogies would be yellow green and a small red dot in it. Never from vaping. Then again I vape only from 190C. Your hit sounds like you just took a huge bong rip. Eh I use to rip bongs. .3 in a bowl, one hit. Mind you some green would be in the water afterwards.

I suggest trying on lower temperatures man unless you are ready to give up the green through inhalation.

 

[CarolKing]

I am not a medical professional but after another week or so I would go see a doctor if your chest and throat still feel sore. It sounds like you just were too enthusiastic and over did it. The initial blood was probably from the irritation of your throat. It's very easy for the throat area to bleed a little. It's like your mouth area, it bleeds really easy.

You probably need to take a break from our fav flower. If you decide to partake again, keep the heat down and not so big of a draw. I'm more of a sipper most of the time. I still get all the goodies but in a slower period of time.

 

[Stevenski]

I would not let it concern you mate. Like Carol says if the irritation persists seek medical advice but if it is getting better then put it to back of mind & vape up another bowl. If it was a particularly violent bout of coughing you may have torn your esophagus slightly. Think of it as like a little scratch on your finger that bled a little bit.

This is said as a 230c ripper who has suffered from a lot of digestive/respiratory issues. The human body is much more resilient than people think. Then again I am sipping on a mid temp stem as I type this post. Either way if pain persists see your doctor.

 

[fatbiker]

Hit it hard! You will be fine.

 

[smokum]

If it persists... see a doctor.

What I find in these winter time months is that I really have to hydrate a lot more. The air is dry, and vaporizing usually requires you drink more as well.
I have the humidifier feeding the house now, and drink at least 3 liters of water a day minimum.
Lots of respiratory bugs going around this time of year.

 

[Chezgreendream]

Thank you everybody, nobody really understands like everyone here, yes.....I could go to a doctor after some time like @CarolKing and others mentioned, if it doesnt get better, although its been getting better, I am however keeping a close eye on it.

@fatbiker, yes this is the way I want to live my life. I just want to focus it so much that I can hit it hard! For as long as I can! I do errr on the reckless side sometimes, but I have other duties, balance.

Now I have the balance on the scale.

I did vape a bowl today, smaller hits, with some tea and water on the side, start for scratch and its been great so far.

 

[virtualpurple]

Not a doctor here either, but I will say that in the years that I've been an ER nurse that I've seen many people come through my doors concerned about coughing or vomiting up blood.

Oftentimes it's simply due to small tears that occur in the lining of the throat due to the force of coughing/wretching.

The majority of the time its nothing. It sounds like you are being a little more careful, and I think you're doing exactly what you need to do,

 

[kellya86]

Maybe it's like straining too hard on the toilet, eventually you may blow a gasket...

 

[Chezgreendream]

Not a doctor here either, but I will say that in the years that I've been an ER nurse that I've seen many people come through my doors concerned about coughing or vomiting up blood.

Oftentimes it's simply due to small tears that occur in the lining of the throat due to the force of coughing/wretching.

The majority of the time its nothing. It sounds like you are being a little more careful, and I think you're doing exactly what you need to do,

I will tell you this, that its not worse than the time I was enclosed in a small space with bleach and ammonia combined, for an unknown amount of time. I had the glands in my throat swell and I was immedeatly coughing up large amounts of blood in my phlegm. You bet I went straight to hospital. I thought I was dying.lol...the doctor dismissed it to allergic reaction, been screened for many things since and its been business as usual.

Or the time I bought and used a metal pipe to save bud and get higher. I took a monster hit and felt a burning sensation in my throat and lungs. I coudnt talk loud over a certain point, I would start to cough. Yep, thought I was screwed that time. Again, been to the doc several times and inquired about it, test have came back normal.

I never thought stuff like this would happen to me....VAPING.

It just struck me, because I have had to do much adjustments eversince I started vaping, I would ask myself if it was even worth it to keep at it. Before it was easier, crush, roll and smoke. The Worse fear I had was not finding anything to eat when the munchies hit.

For starters, when this happened vaping, I felt like I burned a hole right through my throat. Its of course has gotten better, but latetly its been extreme dryness inside.

I often hear of people posting things on youtube and their voice is raspy and sensed that its dry and I ask myself how healthy is vaping to begin with because I never heard this from smokers.

So far with vaporizing, its felt more of an uphill battle for me, but I keep thinking in the back of my mind, that if I find the sweetspot, I will come out winning.

 

[zor]

So sorry to hear of your experiences, @Chezgreendream

I went to India for a 2 week seminar and the air polution in Mumbai was so bad that by the 8th day or so I was coughing up bright blood from a very, very irritated trachea. I spent some time in steam rooms and that helps allay the symptoms but I've since realized I simply have a very sensitive throat.

I still cough from vaping, even at low temps. I've been using weed since mid 2006 and would always hack and cough and feel like my chest was caving in from even the smallest hits. I've tried to adjust my vaping habits accordingly but the possibility remains that vaping has some negative and potentially significant side effects.

Many of us here tout vaping as a perfectly healthy and safe experience but I'd rather urge caution with that perspective. You're still inhaling vast numbers of particles that, in my experience, can cause tremendous irritation and, perhaps, damage.



....all that said, we all die one day, the world is fucked, so vape away because who knows when you'll expire.

 

[Nosferatu]

Vaping may be healthier than smoking on paper but if you take giant hits that cause huge expansion within the lungs, and in your case forced exhalation, then that may or will cause damage to your lungs or trachea as others have said(tearing, inflammation, etc...)

Now with vaporizing you have to learn to differentiate what is simply being expelled because vaporizing is an amazing expectorant/bronchodilator and what is being caused by the current damage of your vaporization/smoking intake methods.

 

[herbivore21]

Was the blood darker or brighter in color? This will in part indicate what the source of the bleeding was.

If by fresh blood, you mean bright red, non-oxidized blood, then this is likely an upper respiratory (throat irritation) type thing and if only a one-off, may not be anything to worry about (still, I'd speak to a dr anyway).

Remember though that for those of you who vape non stop massive lung busters hit after hit, you should really consider concentrates. Much less hot aerosol going into your airways for the same effect and with better taste to boot if done properly! Have a dab instead of 5-10 massive lung busting hits.

 

[Chezgreendream]

Was the blood darker or brighter in color? This will in part indicate what the source of the bleeding was.

If by fresh blood, you mean bright red, non-oxidized blood, then this is likely an upper respiratory (throat irritation) type thing and if only a one-off, may not be anything to worry about (still, I'd speak to a dr anyway).

Remember though that for those of you who vape non stop massive lung busters hit after hit, you should really consider concentrates. Much less hot aerosol going into your airways for the same effect and with better taste to boot if done properly! Have a dab instead of 5-10 massive lung busting hits.

Bright color yes. I have always read that large amounts of blood and or blood that is darker in color is definately something to see a doctor immedeatly.

I have tried concentrates, as I thought it was a great idea, as far as not having to vape as much and getting where I need to get. I am however limited in the type of concentrates I can get...and the type of concentrate that was available to me was giving heart palpitions and raising my heart pressure, no matter how little I used and if I only took one small hit. I figured it was too much sativa and little to no cbds I gave it a month, to see if my body would get used to it and I also tried many methods, but I couldnt find it enjoyable. Aside from that, it gave me head fogginess and I would forget things easily the next day.

I dont want to seem like Im whinning and complaining, Im just trying to find What works for me and I know that no one has better experiences and are just as helpful as the people from here at fuckcombustion. Thanks again everyone.

Edit**I have tried sap, but now that you mention it, I havent tried honey oil....I will try that now that I think about it.

 

[virtualpurple]

You could also try adding ice to your bubbler to cool down the vapor.

Although, funnily enough...as weird and unappetizing as it may seem, vaping through a bubbler with hot hot water can be very soothing.

 

[Chezgreendream]

You could also try adding ice to your bubbler to cool down the vapor.

Although, funnily enough...as weird and unappetizing as it may seem, vaping through a bubbler with hot hot water can be very soothing.

That is a great idea.....I will try that.

its funny because I started dry vaping and found that I enjoyed higher temps better, but then soon found out that higher temps were harsh and they were made easier through water.

I then realized that colder water wasnt getting me where I needed to get and used warmer water.

I then went back to dry vaping for a while on lower temps and realized what many here have said, that they get higher without water and I really liked it, but eventually went back to the higher temps I craved.

I am not sure if my bubbler is truly working efficiently and as I read here from some, that irritants might be released into the vapor at higher temps.

Or it could have been due to..(I have 2 bubblers...D020d and D020) D020d having the bigger space I was able to guage the vapor by sight, so when enough was enough, I cleared it.

coming from a smoking background, its easier to know when the lungs are full of smoke, as opposed to vapor, it feels really light, like air sometimes .

But due to an unfortunate circumstance, D020d fell and broke, I was using its smaller brother D020 and since its a smaller piece, its harder for me to gauge the vapor. so I alternated between sipping and lung pulling, back and forth for one big hit. Its hard to tell when Ive had too much vapor, until the back of my throat let me know and I started coughing.

Im guilty of milking pieces, as there is a certain visual and satisfaction of well being that comes along with it.

Rebreathing fresh air technique on the exhale didnt help in this situation, Ive used it so many times its become second nature.

Now that I look back, I have made an intricate ritual of vaping from the vast information I have learned here and accomopanied by trial and error like many here, I am slowly finding that sweetspot..... then just when I think I got it, I hit another wall.

I just ask myself is vaping for me, you know? I have tried edibles and I know they are not for me, but interestingly enough, I like mixing abv with my food and it gives me what I need and how I need it.

Certain concentrates, I have tried, but soon realized they were not for me, as much as I wanted for them to be, but it was more negatives than positives.

I have tried vaping at low temps, but its just not me. I see vaping at low temps helps alot of people here, but I guess what I need is in the higher temps. For now though I have to start off low again.

I will take what everyone has given me here and go back to the drawing board.

 

[CarolKing]

I read this in another thread. Someone suggested looking in a mirror while taking a draw so you can see the vapor. I wonder if that might help you gauge the vapor output while using your wt.

I just bought a J Hook - you don't use water but it makes the vapor more smooth. I've been using it with my Enano.

 

[virtualpurple]

That is a great idea.....I will try that.

its funny because I started dry vaping and found that I enjoyed higher temps better, but then realized that higher temps were made easier through water.

I then realized that colder water wasnt getting me where I needed to get and used warmer water.

I then went back to dry vaping for a while on lower temps and realized what many here have said, that they get higher without water and I really liked it, but eventually went back to the higher temps I craved.

I am not sure if my bubbler is truly working efficiently and as I read here from some, that irritants might be released into the vapor at higher temps.

Or it could have been due to..(I have 2 bubblers...D020d and D020) D020d having the bigger space I was able to guage the vapor by sight, so when enough was enough, I cleared it.

coming from a smoking background, its easier to know when the lungs are full of smoke, as opposed to vapor, it feels really light, like air sometimes.

But due to an unfortunate circumstance, D020d fell and broke, I was using its smaller brother D020 and since its a smaller piece, its harder for me to gauge the vapor. so I alternated between sipping and lung pulling, back and forth for one big hit. Its hard to tell when Ive had too much vapor, until the back of my throat let me know and I started coughing.

Im guilty of milking pieces, as there is a certain visual and satisfaction of well being that comes along from it.

Rebreathing fresh air technique on the exhale didnt help in this situation, Ive used it so many times its become second nature.

Now that I look back, I have made an intricate ritual of vaping from the vast information here and accopanied by trial and error like many here, I am slowly finding that sweetspot.

I just ask myself is vaping for me you know. I have tried edibles and I know they are not for me, but interestingly enough, I like mixing abv with my food and it gives me what I need and how I need it.

Certain concentrates, I have tried, but soon realized they were not for me, as much as I wanted for them to be, but it was more negatives than positives.

I have tried vaping at low temps, but its just not me. I see vaping at low temps helps alot of people here, but I guess what I need is in the higher temps. For now though I have to start off low again.

I will take what everyone has given me here and go back to the drawing board.

I appreciate the thorough response. Like you, myself and many others are still finding our sweet spots.

I started with a Davinci Ascent, and used it dry for at least 6 months. I also used to exclusively vape at 385. It still knocked my socks off early on.

I know you stated that you use the Enano, have you ever tried using a vape that utilizes bags or a whip that really cool the vapor down? I do have an Herbalizer, and though I feel my model has consistency issues I think that I am in the minority and that it is incredible how I am able to take long draws from the whip at 445 without coughing. And one of my good friends is obsessed with the bags.

The Herbalizer is a pretty pricey unit (though the price has come down), but I have been looking at the Herbalaire Elite thread and it looks to have similar function (sans digital temp control) at a more reasonable price.

I think we share a few similarities. I too love the satisfaction that I get from milking my bubbler. In fact, the gripe that I often have with my Herbalizer is its inconsistency with milking my bubblers, even though it medicates me proper every time!

You could also try making a vapor lung to cool down your vapor with your E-nano. I have not done it myself but I plan to try it when I return home with my Underdog and my Cloud EVO just for grins. It involves using a 2-liter soda bottle and a turkey bag with some tape or a rubber band. Really nifty concept.

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[chris 71]

glad your feeling better Chezgreendream , i have struggled with vaping for a few years now too . i really wanted it to be the solution to my worries about smoking and hoped it would be a totally free ride so to speak . as a truly healthier option .
way back when , i even started my own thread about coughing when i started to realize i was coughing more from vapor then smoke .
anyway it was not the clearing of the lungs theory that people suggested . i know this because i went all vape no smoke for more then three months . and its is not the heat from the vape . this i know because even vapor from a bag unit does the same thing and it has time to cool. a lot of people see through rose colored glasses as i did when i first started vaping . and there are those that swear by the vape and can not even fathom what we coughers are talking about . anyway i hope you do find your sweet spot . im still trying myself i would trade it for edibles but its just not the same .

 

[manos]

Maybe some just has a delicate throat?
I come from combusting hash/tobacco and weed/tobacco for 25 years, which in the end, was taking hard on my lungs.
So 2 month ago I bought an Evo, and what a difference -no more nastyness in my throat to cough up.
No more -the 2-3 coughs when going to bed before being able to relax and lie on my back.
And no more unpleasant feelings in chest-area...
I do still miss combustion, but the benefits from not doing it are to big
Btw. I bought the Solo a few years back, but it wasn't able to help me quiting combustion.

 

[seaofgreens]

I was sort of at a point where I knew that if I laid down to go to sleep, I would be wheezing myself awake within a few hours, and would need a good coughing bout to clear out a bit enough to go back to sleep just to wake up in the morning to do it all over again. Practically lived off my inhaler. Would never leave home without one.

Although this has gotten much better from transitioning to vaping, my lungs are still very damaged from the length of time I had been smoking. I still have a bit of congestion, particularly in the mornings and when the weather shifts suddenly. I still use a preventative inhaler, but am no longer using an albuterol inhaler at all. (If that doesn't say something in favor of vapor, I don't know what does.)

And although I have been an asthmatic since the second grade, long before I smoked anything at all, this enhanced damage I built up from smoking was from just marijuana. I never mixed with tobacco. Now I likely have done enough damage that I will never get my lungs feeling 100% again.

But... I can certainly continue to enjoy my life, and not continue to make my lungs worse. I only have the one pair, and its time I treated them right. So, a vaporists life for me, and I am very thankful that I don't get irritated lungs from the experience.

I definitely feel bad for those feeling irritation just from vapor however. That seems to me like more of an allergic reaction... Likely you are mildly to moderately irritated by the plant itself. It sucks, but an allergy to marijuana is certainly a possibility.

 

[chris 71]

i guess i should also not forget to take into account for my personnel reason the vape seems harsh for me . i could have damage from years of smoking and years of construction dust as the underlining issue .

 

[Nosferatu]

they say every cell in your body is replaced in 7 years so I don't see how lung damage or any disease for that matter can surpass 7 years?? Or is my thinking mistaken? Also brother chris71 drink mad clean(filtered) water like you never have in your life before, double your daily intake(it will be hard at first) and tell me it doesn't help your asthma/congestion very much!!

 

[Chezgreendream]

Thanks for hearing me out, I really appreciate everybody here. I am glad to have the opporrunity to read about different experiences, I have been vaping for about a year and a half and its still a learning experience for me and I hope this thread will be a help for others as well.

Though I have struggled a bit with making vaping right for me, I dont regret switching over. I no longer have to smoke in the street, paranoid. Also, vaping does not have a smell that might offend others or lingering smell at that, like combusting bud does. It makes mediocre bud, good enough and I can re use the avb.

@virtualpurple ,I own a volcano as well, I could have sworn it was going to send my Enano into early retirement. Though the volcano is consistent, its almost too consistent. Its definately not as fun to use as the E nano. I also had similar issues with extreme throat dryness with the bags, it didnt matter how long I left the vapor inside the bag to cool, thanks to @CarolKing, she suggested drinking tea through the session and it helped out. I have however went back to the Enano.

thanks @chris 71, I definately hope you and others as well find a a stress free vaping experience. though I am no doctor, I agree with @Nosferatu, its interesting about what he mentions about cells being replaced every 7 years, Im not too familiar with that, but I know he does make a very valuable point about drinking quality water and increasing your intake, they say about 3 liters daily helps your body get to a balanced state as they say, Also cardio does help, starting with light cardio of course. Again Im no Doctor. I have read that the lungs are one of the organs that are able to dramatically heal themselves, once of course a change of lifestyle has been made.