Vaping and COPD: Evidence, Symptoms and Quitting

Vaping exposes the lungs to an aerosol containing nicotine and other substances. The long-term effects are still being studied. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) develops over time and smoking tobacco remains its main cause, but vaping should not be described as harmless.

What symptoms need assessment?

Persistent cough, sputum, wheeze, breathlessness, repeated chest infections or reduced exercise tolerance should be assessed by a healthcare professional. Diagnosis may involve history, examination and breathing tests; symptoms should not be attributed to vaping or COPD without evaluation.

Vaping, smoking and quitting

For an adult who smokes, regulated nicotine vaping may be used as a quitting aid and is expected to be less harmful than continuing to smoke, but it is not risk-free. People who do not smoke should not start vaping. Advice should be individual, particularly during pregnancy or for young people.

Urgent symptoms

Seek urgent medical help for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, chest pain, confusion, coughing blood or rapidly worsening symptoms. Local stop-smoking services or a healthcare professional can help plan cessation.

Read the NHS vaping and quitting guide and the NHS COPD guide. This page is general information, not a Revitalize treatment offer or diagnosis.