How long does it take your lungs to heal from vaping?
Discover the effects of vaping on your lungs and whether they can heal. Our expert insights explore the impact of vaping on your respiratory health.
What’s stopping you?
Not sure if you’re ready to quit vaping? Worried about finding it difficult?
Start quizNot sure if you’re ready to quit vaping? Worried about finding it difficult?
Many people believe that vaping is safe but although it is less harmful than smoking cigarettes it does have negative health effects particularly on the lungs.
Studies have shown that e cigarette users are at a higher risk of developing respiratory conditions such as asthma and lung damage compared to non-users. Nicotine in vaping products is a highly addictive and addictive substance, which can make quitting vaping challenging.
Vaping juices contains many harmful chemicals and when heated more are created and are then inhaled. Vaping can also put users at greater risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks or strokes.
This page will discuss the effects that vaping has on the lungs to give you additional information to help you to quit vaping.
What happens when you vape an E-Cigarette?
E-cigarettes or vaping devices are electronic products that heat a liquid or wax to produce an aerosol/vapor/smoke that you inhale and were created as nicotine delivery systems just like cigarettes. They come in many shapes and sizes from looking like cigarettes, to USB flash drives (JUUL), to large tank system devices. Vaping is a relatively recent phenomenon, so the long-term health effects are still being studied. The e liquid is the substance heated in these devices to produce vapor, and it typically contains nicotine, flavourings, and other additives.
The vaping liquid or wax contains on average 80 different chemicals with most including nicotine and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) but many also include marijuana, cannabidiol and other drugs. E cigarette liquids and vaping liquids are the primary sources of the chemicals inhaled during vaping. E liquids can vary widely in their chemical composition, with some containing higher levels of harmful additives.
Other chemicals commonly used include vitamin E acetate5 as a diluting or thickening agent in vaping products, diacetyl7 (banned in UK & EU) and acetyl propionyl7 as candy flavouring in many vape liquids, Propylene glycol11, 12 which is used as a base.
Vape juice is another term for the liquid used in vaping devices, and its ingredients can include substances like vitamin E acetate and heavy metals.
When the vaping liquid is heated volatile chemical compounds are created1 as well as a number of cancer causing toxins such as Acetaldehyde, Benzene, Cadmium, Formaldehyde, Isoprene, Lead, Nickel, Nicotine, N- Nitrosonornicotine, Toluene2, 9 10 and formaldehyde6. This cocktail of toxins is a major contributor to vaping lung damage.
In addition the heating can add heavy metals such as nickel, tin, lead, aluminium, manganese, choromium and cobalt into the vapor from the heating mechanism3, 18.
The vape aerosol therefore includes all the above as well as ultrafine particles.
The vaper then inhales all these chemicals and elements into their lungs when they inhale, raising the risk of lung damage from vaping over time.
What does vaping do to your lungs?
Vaping, as explained above, involves the inhalation of a number of chemicals and elements found in the vaping liquid or wax or created when the vaping liquid or wax is heated.
Stephen Broderick, Johns Hopkins lung cancer surgeon, says “By now, it seems pretty clear that using e-cigarettes, or vaping, is bad for your lungs. In the last 24 to 36 months, I’ve seen an explosive uptick of patients who vape… we simply don’t know the short- or long-term effects yet and which e-cigarette components are to blame.”21
Studies suggest that vaping may increase the risk of developing chronic conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancers, due to exposure to harmful chemicals. Compared to traditional cigarettes, vaping still poses significant health risks and both can lead to nicotine addiction, raising public health concerns, especially among youth.
In January 2018, the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine released a consensus study report that reviewed over 800 different studies and concluded that e-cigarettes [vaping] causes health risks4. However, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term health conditions and risks associated with vaping, as it is a recent phenomenon.
The American Lung Association has stated that the inhalation of harmful chemicals [from vaping] can cause irreversible lung damage and lung disease13.
The impact of E-cigarettes on the lung and health affects are explained below, including the potential for DNA damage as a result of exposure to toxic substances in vaping products:
Diseases caused by E-cigarettes /Vaping
- E-cigarette Vaping product use Associated Long Injury (EVALI)19
- Vaping Associated Pulmonary Injury (VAPI)19
- Death due to inability to breathe (EVALI)19
- Bronchiolitis obliterans also known as “popcorn lung”7
- Long-term scarring of the lungs3, 18
- Respiratory distress and disease7
- Asthma11, 12
- Heart Attacks8
- Damage to the liver, kidney and nervous system14
- Eye, nose and throat irritation14
- Headaches and nausea14
Bronchiolitis obliterans also known as “popcorn lung”
This is a condition that damages the small airways of the lungs resulting in coughing and shortness of breath. It can also lead to chest pain.
This condition can cause lasting damage to the lungs.
It get’s its common name from the fact that it was it was discovered when popcorn factory workers were getting sick. The reason was a chemical called diacetyl that was added to give a buttery flavor.
Diacetyl is banned in the UK & EU but is still added world wide including in the US to vape juices to give a buttery flavor such as in popcorn, custard and candy dessert flavours.
E-cigarette Vaping product use Associated Long Injury (EVALI)
E-cigarette Vaping product use Associated Long Injury (EVALI) which is also called Vaping Associated Pulmonary Injury (VAPI) is an acute or subacute respiratory illness with damage to the lungs that can be severe and life-threatening16, 17, 20.
As of 18 February 2020 there were almost 3,000 hospitalised cases or deaths due to EVALI in the US[19], most of whom were under 35 years old. The age range is not surprising because in US the largest group of vapers are young people.
The vast majority of patients (95%) have coughs, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Additional symptoms include fever, chills, and weight loss (85% of patients), abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (77% of patients).
These can be the initial symptoms before serious breathing and lung issues are noticed which require oxygen. Symptoms usually progress in severity over one to two weeks. Individuals experiencing severe respiratory symptoms from vaping may require immediate medical attention in the emergency room.
Research showed that all the patients had Vitamin E Acetate in their lungs5 and many had THC in their lungs5 and these are assumed to be part of the cause.
In the US Vitamin E Acetate has been removed from some products and there has been a decline in cases19.
Chemicals in Vaping liquid and their affect on the lungs
- Vitamin E acetate5 – this is a toxin of concern to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), due to its ability to remain in the lungs for long periods of time, and therefore cause complications in the lungs. This may be the cause of E-cigarette Vaping product use Associated Long Injury (EVALI) since all cases of EVALI had this in their lungs19
- THC5 – This may be the cause of EVALI
- Diacetyl7 – High levels of exposure to diacetyl can lead to the serious lung disease bronchiolitis obliterans also known as “popcorn lung”
- Acetyl propionyl7 – known to cause respiratory distress and disease
- Formaldehyde 21 – This is known to cause lung disease and contribute to heart disease
- Propylene glycol11, 12 – known to cause irritation to the lungs and eyes and may cause issues for people with asthma and emphysema. In the long term can develop into asthma
- Volatile chemical compounds14 – can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches and nausea, and can damage the liver, kidney and nervous system
- Heavy metals3, 18 – these are known to cause respiratory distress and disease. Metal-induced toxicity in the lung can result in long-term scarring of the lungs
- Ultrafine particles8 – these can be inhaled deep into the lungs and may exacerbate conditions such as asthma and emphysema and could lead to a heart attack
Can your lungs heal after vaping?
If you’ve vaped and/or smoked for a long time you might worry that it’s going to be hard to quit – and also question whether you will get any health benefit and so is it going to be worth quitting?
The good news is that the human body is an amazing creation and starts healing in less than 20 minutes after that final cigarette or vape.
After a day the lungs will be cleaning removing the junk left from vaping and cigarettes. Sometimes this manifests itself as a cough – but don’t worry – it’s all part of your body healing itself and getting rid of the junk that’s built up in your lungs.
Between 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting smoking, lung capacity and performance will regenerate and according to the American Heart Association enable intense activities such as running, and the same is true for heavy vapers.
Signs of Lung Healing
When you quit vaping, your lungs begin an impressive journey of recovery. One of the first signs of lung healing is a noticeable reduction in coughing and wheezing, as your lungs start to clear out the chemicals and irritants inhaled from e cigarettes and vape aerosols.
You may also find that your breathing becomes easier and your lung capacity gradually improves, making everyday activities and exercise less taxing.
As your lung tissue repairs itself, you’ll likely experience less mucus production, which is a positive sign that your lungs are working to remove lingering toxins.
Many people report feeling more energetic and less fatigued as their lungs heal, and their risk of lung infections and respiratory illnesses decreases.
Over time, the damage caused by vaping and cigarettes begins to reverse, and your lungs become more resilient against future harm. Remember, the pace of lung healing can vary depending on how long and how heavily you vaped, as well as your overall health, but every step away from vaping is a step toward healthier lungs.
Timeframe for Lung Recovery
The timeline for lung recovery after quitting vaping is different for everyone, but positive changes can start sooner than you might expect.
Studies suggest that within just two to three weeks of quitting vaping, your lung function can begin to improve, and you may notice a reduction in coughing and breathing difficulties.
As the weeks and months go by, your lungs continue to heal, with many people experiencing significant improvements in symptoms and overall lung health within a year.
However, it’s important to understand that the extent of lung healing depends on factors like how long you used e cigarettes, the intensity of your vaping, and your individual health.
While many people see substantial lung recovery, heavy or prolonged vaping can sometimes cause lung damage that may not be fully reversible. That’s why quitting vaping as early as possible is so important for maximising your lung healing and reducing the risk of long-term breathing issues.
Staying patient and committed to quitting will help you achieve the best possible outcome for your lungs.
Final Thoughts
Vaping causes lung damage due to the chemicals in the vape liquid, the chemicals created when the vape liquid is heated and the heavy metals from the vape heater that enter the aerosol/gas as you inhale.
If you’re asking how long does lung damage take to heal, the good news is that the human body is an amazing creation and starts healing in less than 20 minutes after that final cigarette or vape. You may be interested in these articles:
Vaping Around Kids – Is it safe?
Teen Vaping & How to Help Teens to Quit
What’s holding you back?
Not sure if you really want to quit vaping?
Want to quit, but concerned that you’ll find it tough?
Worried that you’ll be deprived for the rest of your life without vapes?
We know that taking the first step can be difficult, but we’re here to answer your questions in complete confidence – with no pressure and no judgment.
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