Did you know? The health benefits of quitting vaping begin in as little as an hour after the last one and it's all improvement from there
19 December 2019
| Last updated on 8 January 2020
All Credits: PA
Quitting e-cigarettes might seem difficult or unnecessary, but research shows it's more beneficial than you think
The E-cigarette as we know it was invented in China in 2003. They’ve since become a popular "alternative" to smoking, yet more and more research into the potential effect on users’ health is emerging – and, mostly, it isn’t positive.
The latest comes from experts at Queens University Belfast, who found there is “little difference” in effect of tobacco smoke and e-cigarette vapour on bacteria often found in the lungs – and therefore, vaping may be as risky as smoking when it comes to the potential for infections.
SEE ALSO: 4 Myths About Asthma You Should Probably Stop Believing
The changes to bacteria could lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an umbrella term which includes emphysema and bronchitis, and asthma, say the authors of the study, published in Respiratory Research. They’re calling for urgent further research into the long-term effects of vaping.

If you want to cut down or quit e-cigarettes, here’s some expert advice…
1. Get help from your GP
Consider joining a local smoking cessation program, which your GP could refer you to.
"They can check your carbon monoxide levels, give advice, and monitor your progress,” says Morrison.
4. Set a date and stick to it
“No excuses,” says Clarke. “Whenever you find yourself in difficulty, tell yourself the craving will pass, and stick with it until the urge ceases.”
6. Break your daily routine
He says: “Vaping can easily become an automatic behaviour linked to daily routines, such as that afternoon tea break. Change your schedule so lighting up no longer becomes a ritual.”
7. Tell people
We all know making something public makes it much harder to back out of and helps keep you accountable.
“Ask close friends to engage in non-vaping activities while you’re kicking the habit and instruct them to stop you vaping at any social occasions,” Clarke says.
9. Keep your hands and mouth busy
It sounds weird, but if you’re used to having an e-cigarette in your hand, it’s a comfort you no longer have.
“Keep a pen or similar object handy for times when you’re tempted, ” suggests Clarke. “Or when you’re out, try putting your drink in the hand you usually use for vaping.”
10. Make a checklist of the reasons you’re quitting
Almost as if it’s ritualistic, repeat to yourself why you’re quitting vaping – even keep a list in your phone and look at it regularly.
“Remind yourself how good it would feel to have health and financial benefits. Removing nicotine supports cardiovascular improvements, so your risk of a heart attack falls. Within days of quitting, your senses will improve and nicotine will all but have left your body,” says Clarke.