This article will explore the impacts of transitioning from smoking traditional cigarettes to using electronic cigarettes (also known as vaping) as a tool to quit smoking. It will also examine the available research on the effectiveness of vaping as a smoking cessation method. It is important to note that smoking regular tobacco cigarettes is detrimental to many different body systems, including the lungs and heart, and nicotine replacement therapy is a widely recognised aid to help quit smoking.
What are the effects on the lungs of transitioning from smoking to using vapes?
The use of tobacco products, such as cigarettes, poses significant health risks due to the presence of numerous chemicals in the smoke that can lead to serious health issues like hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, exposure to secondhand smoke can also be harmful.
Quitting smoking abruptly can be a difficult task for many individuals. However, vaping, which is generally considered less harmful, may be helpful in this regard. In this passage, we will explore the ways in which transitioning from traditional cigarettes to electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) can improve one's health.
Vaping Benefits
- The vapour produced by electronic cigarettes does not include carbon monoxide, a toxic gas found in traditional cigarette smoke.
- Electronic cigarettes have a lower concentration of harmful chemicals and toxins compared to traditional cigarettes.
What happens when you quit smoking?
20 Minutes
In just 20 minutes, you'll notice your pulse rate gradually returning to its normal state.
8 Hours
in 8 hours you will see an improvement in your oxygen levels and a significant decrease in the level of carbon monoxide in your blood.
48 Hours
Within 48 hours, you will have fully flushed carbon monoxide from your blood and your lungs will begin to clear of mucus, while your sense of taste and smell will start to improve.
72 Hours
Easier breathing is a sign that your bronchial tubes have begun to relax, and you will also start to feel more energised.
After 2-12 Weeks
You will experience improved circulation, leading to better blood flow to your heart and muscles.
After 3-6 Months
As your lung function improves by up to 10%, you will notice a decrease in coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties.
After 1 year
Amazing News!! your risk of heart attack will be half that of a smoker’s
After 10 Years
Your risk of death from lung cancer will be reduced by 50%, in comparison with that of a smoker.
Here are a few tips for using disposable vapes to help you quit smoking:
- Choose a disposable vape with a nicotine strength that matches your smoking habit: Disposable vapes come in a range of nicotine strengths, so it is important to choose one that will satisfy your cravings without being too strong or too weak.
- Start using your disposable vape as soon as you have the urge to smoke: When you feel the urge to smoke, use your disposable vape instead. This can help you break the habit of reaching for a cigarette whenever you feel the urge.
- Gradually reduce the nicotine strength of your disposable vapes: As you get more comfortable with vaping, you can start to reduce the nicotine strength of your disposable vapes. This can help you gradually wean yourself off nicotine and make the transition to non-nicotine vapes easier.
- Use your disposable vape in place of smoking wherever possible: Try to use your disposable vape instead of smoking in all the situations where you would normally smoke. This can help you form a new, healthier habit.
- Get support from friends and loved ones: Quitting smoking can be a tough journey, so it is important to have the support of friends and loved ones. Tell them about your plan to quit smoking and ask for their encouragement and support.
The Scientific Evidence on Vaping as a Smoking Cessation
The earlier you quit smoking, the lower your risk of developing serious health complications. However, the effectiveness of vaping and nicotine replacement products in overcoming nicotine addiction is still being studied.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials published in JAMA Network Open in 2019, found that e-cigarettes were significantly more effective for smoking cessation than control methods without nicotine.
Another study in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2019, found that e-cigarettes were more effective than nicotine replacement therapy (such as patches or gum) in helping smokers quit.
It is important to note that e-cigarettes are not without risks. They still contain nicotine, which is addictive and may also contain other chemicals that are potentially harmful. Long-term effects of e-cigarette use are not yet well understood.
It's always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice and guidance on quitting smoking.
Sources: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33798919/
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa1808779
