If you’ve ever used a vape and noticed stomach pain afterwards, you might be wondering if the two are linked. While vaping is widely seen as a safer option than smoking, it is still not completely free of side effects. Some users do report experiencing mild to moderate stomach discomfort, especially when starting out or increasing their nicotine intake.
In this guide, we’ll explore how vaping might cause stomach pain, what could be behind it and how to avoid discomfort if it happens to you.
Is there a connection between vaping and stomach pain?
Yes, there can be. While it is not one of the most common side effects, some people do experience stomach pain or nausea after vaping. This is usually due to one of three things: nicotine, swallowing vapour, or irritation from flavourings.
Everyone reacts to vaping slightly differently, so while one person might feel nothing, someone else could experience an upset stomach after only a few puffs.
What causes it?
Here are the most likely reasons vaping might cause stomach discomfort:
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Nicotine sensitivity: If your body is not used to nicotine, or you vape a high strength liquid too quickly, it can cause nausea, bloating or stomach cramps.
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Swallowing vapour: If you accidentally swallow vapour instead of inhaling it into your lungs, it may irritate your throat or stomach lining.
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Excess saliva: Vaping often increases saliva production. Swallowing too much saliva mixed with vapour can lead to slight indigestion or stomach upset.
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Flavour irritation: Some strong or artificial flavours might irritate sensitive digestive systems, especially if used frequently.
If you are using a high-strength device like the Lost Mary BM6000, which uses 20mg nicotine salt, it delivers a strong dose quite quickly. While that is ideal for cravings, it might feel too intense if you vape frequently in a short space of time.
What does the pain feel like?
People describe it in different ways, but vape-related stomach discomfort is usually mild to moderate. It may feel like:
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Nausea or queasiness
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A dull ache in the upper abdomen
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Cramping or bloating
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A tight or unsettled stomach after a vaping session
It is rarely sharp or severe, but if it happens regularly, it’s worth adjusting your habits to see if it improves.
Can vaping on an empty stomach make it worse?
Yes, absolutely. Nicotine can affect your digestive system by increasing acid production and speeding up muscle contractions in your stomach. If you vape on an empty stomach, you are more likely to feel queasy or light-headed. Eating something before or after vaping can reduce this effect and help your stomach feel more settled.
Could it be the flavour?
Strong menthol, citrus or sour flavours might irritate some people's digestive systems more than others. If you recently switched flavours and noticed stomach pain shortly after, try switching back to a more neutral fruit or classic blend.
The Lost Mary BM6000 collection offers a wide range of flavours, so if one feels a little too strong, it’s easy to explore a milder option that might suit you better.
How to avoid stomach pain from vaping
If you think vaping is causing you stomach discomfort, try the following:
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Take shorter, slower puffs
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Avoid vaping back-to-back without a break
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Eat before vaping
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Stay well hydrated
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Switch to a lower nicotine strength if possible
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Try a different flavour
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Make sure you are inhaling properly and not swallowing vapour
Most of the time, small changes are enough to solve the problem. If you continue to get stomach pain despite adjusting your habits, it may be worth speaking to a healthcare provider to rule out other causes.
Want more help?
If you’re exploring how vaping affects different parts of your body, visit our health guides for more clear, UK-specific information. We cover everything from oral health to lung questions and common side effects like dry mouth, headaches and more.
Final thoughts
Vaping can cause mild stomach pain or discomfort in some users, usually due to nicotine, flavouring or swallowing vapour. The good news is that it is typically easy to fix by adjusting how and when you vape.
If you are using a strong nicotine device and start feeling queasy, try spacing out your puffs, eating beforehand or switching to a lighter flavour. And if you are ever unsure, it is always worth checking in with your doctor or pharmacist.
Nicotine strength may be a factor. Read how much nicotine is in a vape to find the right level for you.
If you’re also feeling nauseous or dizzy, visit why does vaping make me feel sick.