Why does the tongue go numb when vaping?
May 12, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
Tongue numbness from vaping may be caused by physiological factors, or by pathological conditions such as vascular blockage or insufficient cerebral blood supply. E-cigarettes contain harmful substances like nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide, which not only enter the body through inhalation and damage the respiratory system, but also have certain effects on the oral cavity. Long-term vaping can irritate oral nerves, leading to tongue numbness.
Tongue numbness from vaping may result from physiological factors, or it could be caused by pathological conditions such as blood vessel blockage or insufficient cerebral blood supply. The specific details are as follows:
I. Physiological Factors
E-cigarettes contain harmful substances such as nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide. These substances not only enter the body through respiration and damage the respiratory system but also affect the oral cavity. Long-term vaping may irritate oral nerves, leading to tongue numbness.
II. Pathological Factors
1. Blood Vessel Blockage
Blockage of blood vessels may lead to impaired local blood circulation, causing blood stasis and resulting in symptoms such as tongue numbness, discoloration (purplish appearance), and swelling.
2. Insufficient Cerebral Blood Supply
This is usually caused by cerebral atherosclerosis or narrowing of cerebral blood vessels, leading to reduced cerebral blood flow, ischemia, and hypoxia in brain tissue, which can cause neurological damage and tongue numbness.
Besides the above-mentioned causes, tongue numbness might also result from localized nerve inflammation, cerebral infarction, or other conditions. If patients experience any discomfort, they should seek timely medical attention at a hospital. It is also important to adjust dietary habits and increase intake of foods rich in vitamins.
