The Hidden Risks of Vaping That No One Talks About

Could your stomach issues be linked to your vape? Here’s what you need to know.

Strange Digestive Symptoms That Won’t Go Away?

If you're feeling nauseous, experiencing heartburn, or constantly dealing with stomach cramps, you might assume it’s something you ate, or maybe just stress. But at Richmond Gastroenterology Centre in Singapore, we've noticed a different pattern in many of our younger patients: vaping.

Yes, you read that right. The trendy, sweet-smelling alternative to smoking may be doing more harm to your gut health than most people realise.

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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.

Benefits of a Vape-Free Gut

Here’s what you might notice once you quit vaping:

• Less nausea

• Improved appetite

• Relief from bloating and abdominal pain

• Reduced acid reflux

• A happier, more balanced gut microbiome

  
  

Most importantly, you’ll reduce your risk of long-term complications and give your digestive system a chance to heal.

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Final Thoughts from Richmond Gastroenterology Centre

At Richmond Gastroenterology Centre, located conveniently in Singapore, we focus on identifying the root causes of digestive discomfort. If you’re experiencing ongoing gastrointestinal symptoms, from reflux to bloating, and use a vape regularly, it may be worth exploring the link.

Need Support?

If you’re struggling with persistent digestive issues and want to investigate the cause, visit Richmond Gastroenterology Centre in Singapore. Our specialists are here to help.