Vaping: Not Just a Lung Issue

Most of us associate vaping with respiratory risks. However, the digestive system is often overlooked. Your gut, like your lungs, is sensitive to chemicals. And those vapourised substances don’t stop in your throat—they’re absorbed into your body and can affect multiple systems, including your gastrointestinal tract.

Some of the most common symptoms we see in patients who vape regularly include:

• Persistent nausea
• Frequent acid reflux
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting without clear cause
• Loss of appetite
• Changes in bowel habits (constipation, diarrhoea, bloating)

These symptoms can mimic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). But when we dig a little deeper, vaping often appears to be a hidden trigger.

How Vaping Affects Your Gut

Vaping doesn’t just affect your lungs—it may harm your gut too. Research shows that e-cigarette use may:

• Trigger gut inflammation, which can worsen conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Weaken the gut barrier, allowing harmful substances to enter the body
• Increase inflammatory gene activity in the colon, directly affecting gut health
• Disrupt the gut microbiome, potentially leading to an imbalance of good and bad bacteria

While one study found no major microbiome changes with vaping and a high-fat diet, other evidence suggests that chemicals in e-cigarettes can still upset your gut bacteria, possibly leading to metabolic issues.

In short, vaping has been shown to interfere with gut health by causing inflammation and potentially altering the microbiota—factors that may contribute to gastrointestinal discomfort and broader health concerns over time.

If you’re experiencing ongoing digestive symptoms and use e-cigarettes, it may be worth considering whether vaping could be a contributing factor.

What We’ve Observed in Clinic

At Richmond Gastroenterology Centre, we’ve observed that some individuals who vape regularly also experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and acid reflux.

While the causes of these symptoms can vary, some patients have reported feeling better after discontinuing the use of vape products. This observation highlights the importance of discussing lifestyle habits—including vaping—when evaluating digestive health concerns.

Every case is unique, and a full medical assessment is recommended to identify the underlying cause of symptoms.

Why Vaping Makes Reflux Worse

Nicotine is a known trigger for acid reflux. It weakens the valve (lower oesophageal sphincter) that keeps stomach acid from flowing up into the oesophagus. This results in symptoms like:

• Burning chest pain
• Sour taste in the mouth
• Chronic coughing
• Difficulty swallowing

Vaping may also increase gastric acid secretion and irritate the lining of the stomach, especially in people already prone to GERD.

In Singapore, acid reflux and gastritis are common reasons patients visit gastroenterology clinics, and we believe vaping may be a hidden contributor.

Thinking About Quitting? Here’s What Can Help

We understand that quitting vaping isn’t easy. But your digestive system could benefit greatly from it.

Here are a few strategies to make the process smoother:

• Create a quit plan
  Identify triggers and prepare for cravings
• Find distractions
  Hobbies, exercise, mindfulness, or chewing gum
• Stay hydrated
  Water helps flush out toxins and ease withdrawal
• Talk to a healthcare professional
  Support from your GP or psychologist can make a big difference

Don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Relapses are common, but so is recovery.