Nicotine, whether ingested through smoking cigarettes or vaping e-cigarettes, presents significant health risks. The duration nicotine stays in your system varies based on factors like genetics and the amount consumed. Typically, it remains in the body for about three to four days (80 to 100 hours), according to Benjamin Toll, Ph.D., co-director of the Medical University of South Carolina’s Lung Cancer Screening Program. Unfortunately, there is no way to expedite the removal of nicotine from your system.

Comparing Health Risks: Vaping vs. Smoking

While both smoking and vaping involve nicotine, they impact health differently. Vaping is considered less harmful than smoking. Tracy Smith, Ph.D., associate professor at the Medical University of South Carolina Hollings Cancer Center, suggests that switching to vaping from smoking can significantly reduce exposure to harmful toxicants for those struggling to quit smoking abruptly. However, vaping is not without risks.

Cigarette smokers face severe health consequences, being about 25 times more likely to develop lung cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, smoking e-cigarettes has been linked to chronic lung disease and asthma, as highlighted in a 2020 study by Johns Hopkins Medicine. The long-term effects of vaping remain unclear due to its relatively recent emergence. Dr. Alejandra Ellison-Barnes of the Johns Hopkins Tobacco Treatment and Cancer Screening Clinic points out that vaping products are not well-regulated, leading to uncertainties about their ingredients and potential health problems.

The Path to Quitting: Expert Recommendations

Despite the challenges, quitting nicotine is beneficial at any stage. Dr. Ellison-Barnes emphasizes that health improvements begin within minutes of quitting. She advises working with a licensed health professional to develop a quit plan, which may include counseling and medication.

Research has shown that nicotine raises blood pressure and heart rate, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks. Cigarette smokers are two to four times more likely to develop coronary heart disease and stroke, according to the CDC. There is some evidence that switching entirely from smoking to vaping can lead to short-term improvements in lung function. However, the most significant health benefits come from quitting nicotine altogether.

Quitting nicotine can be difficult, but the support of health professionals, combined with a structured quit plan, increases the chances of success. The health benefits of quitting are immediate and long-lasting, underscoring the importance of making an effort to stop using nicotine in any form.