What Happens When You Quit Smoking and Start Vaping?

Switching from smoking to vaping is a significant lifestyle change that can have profound and sometimes unforeseen effects on your health. Of course, both activities involve inhaling substances and puffing out smoke, but the difference lies in what you’re inhaling and how your body reacts. Many people wonder what happens when you quit smoking and start vaping understanding these changes for anyone considering making the switch should be on the top of the list. 

As such, this article will go into the benefits and potential changes when switching from smoking to vaping, along with practical tips and what to expect during the transition.

Switching From Smoking to Vaping Benefits

One of the most noticeable benefits of switching from smoking to vaping is the reduction in exposure to harmful chemicals. Cigarettes contain chemicals, many of which are toxic and carcinogenic. They are also used by igniting the other end of the cigarette and letting it burn, exposing the user to carbon monoxide.

In contrast, e-liquids used in vaping typically contain far fewer chemicals. But what’s really in vapes? Well, the only notable chemicals in vapes that could cause concern are nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and the flavorings. When compared, this significant reduction in harmful substances means that vaping is a better alternative than smoking cigarettes.

Another benefit is the control over nicotine intake. Users can actually choose e-liquids with varying levels of nicotine, with some liquids having very little to no nicotine. This can be particularly beneficial for those looking to quit nicotine entirely, as it provides a way to gradually reduce usage rather than stopping abruptly. Lastly, the absence of combustion in vaping means that users are not exposed to tar and carbon monoxide, two major harmful byproducts of smoking.

Switching From Smoking to Vaping Symptoms

As your body adjusts to the absence of cigarette smoke and the introduction of vapor, you may experience several symptoms. These can include a sore throat, dry mouth, and increased thirst. Don’t worry though, as these symptoms are usually temporary and are only the result of the body adapting to the different ingredients in e-liquids.

Other common symptoms can include headaches and dizziness, which are often related to nicotine withdrawal or changes in nicotine intake. As a helpful tip, adjusting the nicotine level in your e-liquid can help deal with these symptoms.

Switching From Smoking to Vaping Timeline

When talking about vapes vs cigars, the timeline for the body adjusting to vaping varies from person to person, but there are general stages that many people quitting smoking experience. The first few days after you quit smoking cigarettes can be rough, since your body is going to need to adjust to the absence of tobacco in your system. That’s why vape products with varying levels of nicotine can help tremendously in alleviating the difficulty.

Within a few weeks, you may begin to notice improvements in your breathing, making physical activities easier and more enjoyable. Long-term benefits of switching to vaping can include a significantly reduced risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other serious health conditions. Thus, vaping is an indirect contributor to your lung recovery after smoking.

However, while vaping is generally considered less harmful than smoking, it is not entirely without risks. We still don’t have enough data on long-term vape usage to justify it as a permanent alternative when quitting smoking cigarettes. There are certainly other options open to people who want to quit smoking, such as nicotine replacement therapy.

Tips for Switching From Smoking to Vaping

Start by choosing the right vaping device and e-liquid. For beginners, a simple vape pen or pod system is ideal due to how simple it is to use and how easily people can adjust to it. Selecting an e-liquid with an appropriate nicotine strength is also something that you should consider. If you’re a heavy smoker, you might need a higher nicotine concentration to satisfy your cravings initially, then gradually lower the nicotine strength until you get to the appropriate level.

It’s also important to stay hydrated, as vaping can cause dehydration if you’re not careful. Drinking plenty of water can help mitigate symptoms like dry mouth and headaches.

Things to Expect When You Vape

When you start vaping, you might get caught off guard by the different sensation compared to smoking. The vapor produced by e-cigarettes is generally cooler and smoother than cigarette smoke, which can take some getting used to. You might also notice that dragging the vape requires a different inhalation technique. Vaping usually requires longer drags compared to the quicker inhales of cigarette smoking.

Flavor variety is another aspect of vaping that is not present in cigarettes. E-liquids come in a wide range of flavors, which can include desserts, beverages, and even gourmet food! Experimenting with different flavors can make the transition more enjoyable and help reduce your cravings for cigarettes.

The Side Effects of Switching From Cigarettes to Vape

Nicotine withdrawal is the most common side effect of the transition. It can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and irritability. While somewhat difficult initially, vaping nicotine-filled liquids can help alleviate this side effect and make the transition smoother. If you’re still deeply worried about other potential side effects that vape transition may have on you, it’s best to consult a medical professional and get their opinion and advice on the matter.

Continuing to Smoke While Vaping

Some individuals choose to continue smoking while vaping, also known as dual use. Yes, this can be a step towards quitting smoking, but you’re risking yourself to potentially deadlier effects in the process. The goal of vaping is to serve as a viable alternative when people quit smoking. It is not recommended to continue to smoke cigarettes despite having begun vaping.

Can Vaping Help You Quit Smoking?

Yes, vaping can indeed help people quit smoking. In fact, that is the initial purpose of vaping before it transformed into a widespread hobby. Several studies have shown that vaping can be more effective than other nicotine replacement therapies, such as patches and gum, in helping smokers quit. Having said that, it doesn’t mean that it’s only vapes vs nicotine pouches as the only options you should consider. For those suffering from more severe withdrawal symptoms, consulting a medical professional for a treatment plan is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens to Your Body When Switching From Smoking to Vaping?

You may experience all sorts of things when you make the switch from traditional cigarettes to vapes and electronic cigarettes. You might experience headaches, nausea, increased feelings of thirst, and other such symptoms.

Will I Feel Better if I Switch From Smoking to Vaping?

Many people certainly report feeling better when they made the switch. Whether it’s due to health, financial, or environmental reasons, there’s generally a positive review in this regard.

How Long Does It Take To Transition From Smoking to Vaping?

The transition from smoking to vaping varies for each individual. Some people adjust within a few days, while others may take several weeks or months.

What Happens to Your Lungs When You Start Vaping?

You will start to notice more frequent coughing once you start vaping and stop smoking. This is a frequent symptom and is your lungs’ way of adjusting to the absence of daily carbon monoxide intake. With enough time, you will start to breathe lighter and get winded a lot less frequently.

Will My Lungs Heal if I Vape?

While there is no solid scientific information on vaping’s direct effect to the lungs healing from smoking cessation, it does contribute to that effect. The absence of cigarette smoke from your lungs means there is no carbon monoxide present and tar production would stop and eventually clear out.

How Hard Is It to Switch From Smoking to Vaping?

Switching from smoking to vaping can be challenging, especially for those with a strong dependence on nicotine. But, the sensory similarities between vaping and smoking and the ability to control nicotine intake make vaping a really effective alternative.

Summary

Switching from smoking to vaping can lead to significant health benefits, including improved lung function and a decreased risk of smoking-related diseases. While the transition can bring about temporary symptoms like dry mouth, throat irritation, and nicotine withdrawal, these are generally manageable and diminish over time. If you’re looking to make the transition, make the first step easier on yourself by getting a well-rounded vape device. Consider the OXBar 8000 5% Disposable Vape as your first vape product.