11 replies to this topic

[Mindweaver]

Recently I began work at the cafe inside my local fitness center.  They serve a lot of shakes, with various powders.  The first day I worked there, I noticed that the "Mocha" is an extremely fine powder and when used, becomes airborne.  It stays in the air for a few seconds until it settles, but you taste it in your mouth.  There's caffeine in it, and I'm pretty sure I even feel a bit more awake after my shift because of inhaling it.  

The night after my first shift, I woke up in the middle of the night coughing, as if it was clearing out of my lungs from inhaling it.  I absolutely tasted the mocha flavor when coughing.  I stand over the container and use the powder for the majority of my 7-8 hour shift, as it's a popular ingredient, and I'm concerned that this could be causing me problems.  I woke up in the middle of the night with the same issue after my second shift, but after that shift it stopped (the shifts were one week apart; I've only been working once a week) and I haven't had any problems sleeping through the night since.

In addition, when working out I usually have a good lung capacity.  Lately, I've noticed a shortness of breath when doing heavy weight training.  I almost have to take a big breath before I lift and hold it in, because if I start trying to breath during the exercise I begin to fatigue and have to stop.  This has never happened before, and I'm certain it began happening (at the very least) after I started my job there.

Also, I've noticed a bit of a pressure in my chest, on the left side, that comes about once or twice a week.  It's not too painful, but it's noticeable and I never had any problems like this before.

What concerns me is, I've only been working there once a week, but now I picked up two more shifts a week (now it's three times a week) and I don't want to cause my lungs any damage.  I'm afraid that the particles are too small to be filtered by my respiratory system's natural defenses, and I don't want to cause any lasting issues.  I'm going to schedule a doctor's appointment to get checked out, but does anyone want to shed some light on this?  I'm pretty nervous, since I'm an avid viewer of Breaking Bad and Walt developed cancer from inhalation of small particles that he didn't know were affecting him.  I know it's a bit ridiculous to compare real life to a television series, but still :P

EDIT - I'd also like to add, I'm not a cigarette smoker but I do smoke marijuana regularly.  It has never seemed to give me any problems, and I've never had any issues exercising or sleeping (as mentioned).  The problem seems to be caused by the powder, is this possible?

Edited by Mindweaver, 03 July 2012 - 12:35 AM.

[kevinseven11]

Id say powder for sure. Marijuana improves lung function. Im confused as to why this is even a problem.

[MrHappy]

Only one way to find out..

[8bitmore]

Simple answer: yes you should be concerned - quit.

[Mindweaver]

8bitmore, on 04 July 2012 - 12:34 PM, said:

Simple answer: yes you should be concerned - quit.

What's the complex answer?

[niner]

kevinseven11, on 04 July 2012 - 03:58 AM, said:

Marijuana improves lung function.

I find this a little hard to believe.  Is there any evidence that this is the case?  I might be more inclined to believe it if it didn't involve smoking.

[kevinseven11]

http://www.stuff.co....e-lung-function (First link on google)
All studies say little to significant improvement, EXCEPT when marijuana is combined with tobacco which is apparently common in Europe.

[seivtcho]

Mindweaver, from what You are writting, I think, that You need to consult with two type of doctors for two (according to me not cleary connected) main complains.

First: The breathing problems, that are probbably connected with the powder. Suitable doctors are pulmonologist or occupational medicine specialist. You may use a mask for preventing the inhalation of the powder.

Second: Shortness of breath when doing heavy weight training, need to take a big breath during heavy muscle work and feeling of a pressure in the chest, on the left side are all symptoms of a heart disease. I think, that it will be best for You to consult also with cardiologist.

[8bitmore]

Mindweaver, on 04 July 2012 - 02:56 PM, said:

8bitmore, on 04 July 2012 - 12:34 PM, said:

Simple answer: yes you should be concerned - quit.

What's the complex answer?

That when you are, self-acknowledgedly, coughing up powder in the middle of the night and your training capacity is going down rapidly.. then it should be pretty freaking clear that you should STOP INHALING POWDER.

Of course you co-incidentally have simultaneously attracted some sort of weird heart disease as suggested by seivtcho but seriously.. just try not inhaling powder by staying away from your job and see if you feel better (alternatively you could wear a mask - or spray mist of water on the top layer of the container so the dust stops going everywhere.. but might make you bit unpopular with the cafe owners..)

[Mindweaver]

It's not as if I'm trying to inhale the powder, it gets in the air.  I've started holding my breath around it, of course, and the problem has seemed to fade..

I have no problem running around playing basketball, I only develop a shortness of breath when I begin heavy lifting.

[seivtcho]

By writting "inhalation of the powder" I didn't mean, that You are trying to inhale it. I meanded "breathing of air with the powder in it".

If You are sure, that the breathing problems fade after holding Your breath, I strongly recommend You to wear a mask.

The symptoms "shortness of breath" and "need to take a big breath during heavy muscle work", feeling of a pressure in the chest, on the left side appear when the muscle work starts to require more blood, that the heart is cappable of pumping out. This may happen because of two reasons - You to use weights, that are much more, that You actually have to use, or You may have an early stage of a heart disease. So, I do not remove my recommendation to be examined from a specialist cardiologist.

[seivtcho]

P.S. I forgot to write down, that both - 1. the muscle work that requires more blood, that the heart is cappable of pumping out and 2. the heart diseases may lead to heart attack, so be carefull.