If you vape or are thinking about switching from smoking, it is natural to wonder what effect vaping has on your lungs. While vaping is often considered less harmful than smoking, it still involves inhaling substances into the body, and that means it can affect your lungs in different ways.
In this guide, we look at how vaping interacts with your lungs, what short-term effects people report and what the current evidence says about long-term use.
Does vaping damage your lungs?
Vaping is not risk-free, and it can affect your lungs, especially if you vape frequently or at high strength. The extent of the impact depends on the ingredients in your vape, how often you use it and your own health background.
Vape vapour is very different from cigarette smoke. It does not contain tar or carbon monoxide, and it does not come from burning tobacco. However, it still contains chemicals like propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, nicotine and flavourings, all of which are inhaled into the lungs.
For healthy adults switching from smoking to vaping, this is considered a step in the right direction. But that does not mean vaping is harmless.
What are the short-term effects?
Some vapers report mild and temporary symptoms when they first start or after vaping heavily. These may include:
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Coughing
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Chest tightness
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Sore or dry throat
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Feeling short of breath after a long session
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Increased mucus or phlegm in the morning
These effects usually settle down over time, especially if you reduce how often you vape or take longer breaks between puffs.
Devices like the Lost Mary BM6000 use a mesh coil to deliver smoother vapour, which can reduce throat irritation. Still, inhaling anything other than clean air can affect how your lungs feel.
Does vaping cause serious lung problems?
There have been reports of serious lung injuries linked to vaping, but most of these came from unregulated or black market products, often containing THC or homemade liquids. These cases were not linked to legal vape products sold in the UK.
In the UK, e-liquids are regulated under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR). This ensures that ingredients are limited, tested and capped at safe levels. So far, no large-scale evidence has shown that legal, regulated vape use causes major lung damage in healthy adults. However, long-term research is still ongoing.
Does vaping reduce lung function?
Some studies suggest that vaping may lead to mild changes in lung function, especially if used in large amounts or over a long period. These changes are far less severe than those caused by smoking, but they are still worth monitoring.
If you already have asthma or another respiratory condition, vaping may trigger symptoms or increase irritation. If you notice that vaping affects your breathing, it may be worth reducing your usage or trying a lower strength.
Can your lungs recover after vaping?
Yes, especially if you cut down or stop completely. The lungs have an amazing ability to heal. If you are a former smoker and now vape instead, your lung health may still improve over time compared to if you had continued smoking.
If you stop vaping entirely, you may notice:
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Less coughing or throat clearing
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Better stamina during exercise
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Improved lung capacity
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Easier breathing in the morning
The exact recovery time depends on how long you’ve been vaping and your general health. Even small changes can make a noticeable difference after a few weeks.
What about second-hand vapour?
Second-hand vapour is not the same as second-hand smoke. It contains far fewer chemicals and breaks down quickly in the air. However, it is still best to avoid vaping around children, pets or people with breathing conditions, especially indoors.
Even though the risks are lower, taking care of those around you shows good vaping etiquette.
How to reduce the impact on your lungs
If you vape and want to look after your lungs, try these tips:
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Take shorter, slower puffs
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Use lower nicotine strength to avoid overuse
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Vape in moderation rather than all day
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Stay hydrated to support lung and throat function
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Avoid very sweet or harsh flavours that cause irritation
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Clean your device regularly to prevent build-up
Choosing a device that delivers smoother vapour and does not leak can also help reduce irritation over time.
Want more health advice?
Visit our health guides for straightforward articles on vaping and how it affects your lungs, sleep, cravings, oral health and more. Each article is written for UK vapers looking to stay informed without the fluff.
Final thoughts
Vaping does affect your lungs, but not in the same way as smoking. It avoids the tar and toxins found in tobacco, making it a less harmful option for smokers looking to quit. That said, vaping is not risk-free, and your lungs may react if you vape heavily or use strong liquids.
By moderating how much you vape, staying hydrated and choosing quality products, you can reduce the chance of irritation or discomfort. If you ever feel breathless or notice chest tightness, it may be worth taking a break or speaking to a healthcare professional.
If you’re comparing health risks, be sure to read does vaping cause lung cancer.
If you’re also experiencing chest tightness or coughing, can vaping cause chest pain may be useful.