Vaping vs Smoking: Which Is Worse For Your Lungs? Doctor Explains

Cigarette smoking has long been recognised as one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide. It contains over 7,000 harmful chemicals, including tar, many of which are proven to cause lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart blockages, and stroke. The chronic damage from smoking builds up over years, making it a well-established culprit behind severe respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

In a conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr. Vikas Mittal, Director – Pulmonologist at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi explained which is more dangerous for your lungs- smoking or vaping.

In recent years, vaping has been marketed as a 'safer alternative' to smoking. While it is true that e-cigarettes contain fewer chemicals than traditional cigarettes, calling them safe is misleading. Vaping delivers nicotine vapours, often mixed with flavouring agents and trace heavy metals. Nicotine itself is highly addictive while certain flavouring chemicals have been linked to severe lung injury. A well-documented condition called 'popcorn lung' (bronchiolitis obliterans) can occur due to these chemicals, causing scarring and narrowing of the airways. This leads to persistent cough, shortness of breath and, in severe cases, respiratory failure requiring oxygen support or even mechanical ventilation.

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Unlike smoking which typically causes long-term progressive damage, vaping can sometimes trigger sudden and acute lung injury. Since vaping is relatively new, the full extent of its long-term side effects remains unclear but early evidence suggests it may also contribute to chronic lung disease and fibrosis over time.

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So, which is worse: smoking or vaping? The reality is that both are harmful in different ways. Smoking’s dangers are well-documented over decades while vaping poses newer but equally serious risks, especially to the lungs. The safest choice remains neither. Avoiding both smoking and vaping is the only reliable way to protect lung health.