What happens when you quit smoking and start vaping?

Posted on 15 March 2023 | Updated on 29 November 2023 |

What Happens When You Quit Smoking and Start Vaping?

Smoking and vaping represent distinct approaches to nicotine consumption, a profoundly addictive substance affecting the brain and various organs. Smoking encompasses the combustion of tobacco leaves, with inhalation of smoke laden with numerous harmful chemicals and carcinogens. In contrast, vaping involves heating a liquid comprising nicotine, flavorings, and other substances and inhaling the resulting aerosol or vapor, which may also contain detrimental chemicals and metals.

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking stands as the primary cause of preventable death in the United States, claiming over 480,000 lives annually. Smoking contributes to diverse diseases like lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Moreover, it impacts the health of non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke.

Vaping, a relatively recent phenomenon, has gained traction among teenagers and adults, particularly those aiming to quit smoking or lessen nicotine intake. As per the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), vaping devices and battery-operated tools facilitating aerosol inhalation generally contain nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. These devices can resemble traditional cigarettes, cigars, pipes, pens, USB sticks, or everyday items.

While many perceive vaping as a safer alternative to smoking, it's essential to recognize potential health risks. Vaping may lead to nicotine addiction, lung damage, cardiovascular issues, and exposure to toxins and metals. Additionally, bystanders may face exposure to secondhand aerosol, carrying potentially harmful substances. So, what happens when you quit smoking and start vaping?

Short-term effects of quitting smoking and transitioning to vaping

Quitting smoking is a commendable health choice, albeit challenging. Withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, anxiety, cravings, weight gain, and difficulty concentrating, arise due to the absence of nicotine affecting the brain and nervous system.

Vaping can assist smokers in managing withdrawal symptoms by offering nicotine without the harmful chemicals present in tobacco smoke. It also addresses the behavioral and sensory aspects of smoking, such as the hand-to-mouth action, throat hit, and flavor.

However, vaping isn't devoid of risks, potentially causing short-term effects like dry mouth, sore throat, cough, headache, dizziness, nausea, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure. The severity of these effects varies based on device type, liquid composition, nicotine or cannabis concentration, and usage patterns.

Benefits of quitting smoking and starting vaping

Improved Breathing: Smoking can harm the lungs, leading to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Vaping may alleviate these symptoms and enhance lung function, especially in individuals with asthma or COPD. Nevertheless, vaping might also irritate the lungs, potentially causing inflammation and long-term injury or disease.
Enhanced Circulation: Smoking narrows blood vessels, diminishing blood flow to organs and elevating the risk of heart-related conditions. Vaping could improve blood circulation, boosting oxygen delivery and physical performance. However, adverse effects on the heart and blood vessels, such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness, might pose long-term risks.
Improved Taste and Smell: Smoking impairs taste and smell senses, affecting the enjoyment of food and beverages. Vaping can restore these senses, enhancing appetite and overall quality of life. Nevertheless, alterations in taste and smell, particularly with flavored liquids, might impact the perception of food and drinks.

Effect	Smoking	Vaping
Withdrawal symptoms	High	Low
Breathing problems	High	Low
Circulation problems	High	Low
Taste and smell impairment	High	Low
Dry mouth	Low	High
Sore throat	Low	High
Cough	High	Low
Headache	Low	High
Dizziness	Low	High
Nausea	Low	High
Heart rate	High	Low
Blood pressure	Low	High

Long-term effects of quitting smoking and transitioning to vaping

The long-term consequences of quitting smoking and adopting vaping, both positive and negative, are not fully understood due to vaping's relative novelty. Scientific evidence is insufficient to draw definitive conclusions, and outcomes may vary based on individual factors, device type, liquid composition, and usage patterns.

Reduced Cancer Risk: Smoking is a significant cancer risk, while vaping may mitigate this risk by eliminating exposure to tobacco smoke's carcinogens. However, vaping introduces potential risks by exposing users to other chemicals and metals with possible carcinogenic effects.
Reduced COPD Risk: Smoking is a leading cause of COPD, and vaping might mitigate this risk by minimizing lung inflammation and damage caused by tobacco smoke. Conversely, vaping may increase the risk of COPD through lung irritation and injury.
Altered Heart Disease Risk: Smoking is a significant contributor to heart disease, and vaping may reduce this risk by enhancing blood flow and oxygen delivery. Nevertheless, vaping's impact on heart rate, blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and nicotine exposure may pose long-term cardiovascular risks.

Organ/System	Smoking	Vaping
Lungs	High risk of cancer, COPD, asthma, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and other respiratory diseases	Low to moderate risk of cancer, COPD, asthma, pneumonia, and other respiratory diseases
Heart	High risk of heart attack, stroke, angina, arrhythmia, and other cardiovascular diseases	Low to moderate risk of heart attack, stroke, angina, arrhythmia, and other cardiovascular diseases
Brain	High risk of stroke, dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other neurological diseases	Low to moderate risk of stroke, dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other neurological diseases
Immune system	High risk of infection, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases	Low to moderate risk of infection, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases
Skin	High risk of aging, wrinkles, sagging, and skin cancer	Low to moderate risk of aging, wrinkles, sagging, and skin cancer
Teeth	High risk of staining, decay, gum disease, and tooth loss	Low to moderate risk of staining, decay, gum disease, and tooth loss
Bones	High risk of osteoporosis, fractures, and arthritis	Low to moderate risk of osteoporosis, fractures, and arthritis
Reproductive system	High risk of infertility, impotence, erectile dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction	Low to moderate risk of infertility, impotence, erectile dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction

Determinants of long-term vaping outcomes

Type and quality of the device: Vaping devices vary in design, features, and safety. Advanced technology in some devices may enhance the user experience and reduce exposure to harmful substances. However, defects or poor quality can elevate the risk of device-related issues.
Type and quality of the liquid: Vaping liquids differ in ingredients, concentrations, and flavors. Variations in nicotine, cannabis, or other substances can influence addiction and user dependence. Some liquids may contain flavorings, additives, or contaminants affecting taste, smell, and safety.
Frequency and intensity of use: Vaping patterns, including duration, frequency, and intensity, impact nicotine, cannabis, or other substance exposure. Increased usage may heighten health and behavioral effects, while decreased usage could mitigate risks.

Diverse Solutions for Smoking Cessation

The journey to smoking cessation presents challenges, with nicotine addiction's potency and daunting withdrawal symptoms. Vapers often find relief in devices facilitating gradual nicotine reduction, like those available from Gypsy Vapes. These devices cater to varied preferences and needs in diverse shapes and sizes.

Noteworthy devices include:

Disposable vapes: Simple and affordable devices featuring a battery and a cartridge with e-liquid. They are easy to use and available in various flavors and nicotine strengths.
Vapes with pods: More advanced devices with a rechargeable battery and a refillable tank for e-liquid. They offer control over airflow, voltage, and wattage, providing a broader range of e-liquid options.
Starter kits: Powerful and customizable devices with large batteries and a replaceable atomizer for different vaping styles. These devices have various features that allow users to adjust temperature, resistance, and output but require more maintenance and knowledge of vaping safety.

What happens when you quit smoking and start vaping is one of the articles related to the vaping industry on Gypsy Vapes. If you want to find vape reviews, news, and vaping-related articles, follow our blog section.