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The most recent data suggested that around 5 million adults vape in the UK. The most recent data suggests that around  1 in 9 young people aged 11 to 17 in the UK are currently vaping as of 2023 to 2024, which is a figure that has steadily increased by 50% from 2021.

As vaping continues to become increasingly popular across the UK, many are turning to vapes as a perceived safer alternative to smoking. But while vaping may sidestep some of the well-known risks of tobacco, new questions about vaping are arising. Especially around its impact on digestive health.

One question cropping up more frequently is whether vaping could be behind unexplained stomach pain. This article takes a closer look at that very question, exploring the evidence, possible causes, and what to do if you’re experiencing discomfort.

Does Vaping Cause Stomach Pain?

So can vaping cause stomach pain? The short answer appears to be that yes, it can in some people and circumstances.

There have been anecdotal reports that some people experience stomach pain during and after vaping, as well as related issues such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. A number of studies have also started to emerge that show a correlation between vaping and stomach issues.

It’s worth bearing in mind that of those millions of vapers across the UK, many have not reported experiencing stomach pain from e-cigarettes. It is perfectly normal to be concerned, however, and it is important to have the information, as well as the e-cigarette, at your fingertips.

Common Digestive Symptoms Potentially Linked to Vaping

Not everyone who vapes will experience digestive issues, but several specific symptoms may be linked to vaping. These symptoms can vary in severity and may appear shortly after vaping or continue over time. These include:

  • Mild to moderate abdominal discomfort
  • Bloating or a sensation of fullness
  • Frequent episodes of nausea
  • Changes in bowel habits, including diarrhoea
  • A lack of appetite

It’s important to note that these symptoms can have various causes, but if you notice a pattern when vaping, it might be worth exploring further.

Many of the studies so far carried out to look at the impact of vaping on health have considered potential damage to the lungs. One important study carried out at the UC San Diego School of Medicine and Moores Cancer Centre, however, looked specifically at the effect of e-cigarettes on the human gut.

The study, published in 2021, found that chronic use of nicotine-free e-cigarettes led to a ‘leaky gut’. This allowed microbes and other molecules to seep out of the intestines, resulting in chronic inflammation.

The fact that the study involved nicotine-free e-cigarettes was important, as nicotine is known to have an impact on the digestive system in and of itself. Researchers in the study found that two chemicals used as a base in e-cigarette liquid vapour or ‘vape juice’) were the cause of inflammation. These chemicals – propylene glycol and vegetable glycerol – are present in almost all vaping products.

The study authors said that inflammation of the gut could contribute to a variety of diseases and conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, dementia, certain cancers, atherosclerosis, liver fibrosis, diabetes and arthritis.

A study of teens diagnosed with the vaping-linked respiratory disease EVALI also found that most were also suffering from gastrointestinal symptoms. EVALI stands for e-cigarette, or vaping product use-associated lung injury and early symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain.

It is worth noting, though, that the brands of e-cigarettes most commonly associated with EVALI contain THC, the principal psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. This is not legal in the UK (although some CBD products are). Other e-cigarettes associated with EVALI include ones containing the thickening agent Vitamin E acetate, which is itself largely found in counterfeit e-cigarettes and vaping liquids.

Nicotine and Stomach Health

As tobacco has been around for a lot longer than vaping products, there have been more studies carried out on its short- and long-term effects. There are long-established links between smoking and stomach problems, but many of these may involve a number of harmful substances in cigarettes and other tobacco products.

Nicotine is a common factor in both tobacco and the majority of vaping products. Nicotine is now accepted as one of the major components responsible for gastrointestinal disorders, but, in many cases, nicotine is also interacting with the other substances in tobacco smoke.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products such as nicotine patches, gum and lozenges do not contain the harmful substances found in tobacco smoke, but nausea and other digestive problems are commonly listed side effects.

A review of 120 studies involving a total of 177,390 individuals found a number of reported adverse effects when using NRT – including insomnia, heart palpitations or chest pains and gastrointestinal complaints. It found a ‘statistically significant increased risk’ of nausea or vomiting but also found that orally administered NRT caused a significantly greater risk for gastrointestinal complaints compared with using a nicotine patch.

The review suggests a definite link between nicotine and stomach pain, as well as other gastrointestinal issues, even when not delivered through cigarettes and other tobacco products.

Other Factors Contributing to Stomach Pain

Many other factors can cause or contribute to stomach pain. Many of these can be related to diet and lifestyle, but can also be linked to illnesses of various kinds. Common causes of stomach pain can include indigestion, constipation, trapped wind, stomach bugs or food poisoning. Stress and pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions can also lead to stomach pain.

When managing stomach pain from vaping or even considering whether there is a link between any digestive issues you might be experiencing and vaping, it’s important to consider any other possible causes.

Vaping Risks and Potential Complications

As well as vaping side effects on digestion, vaping has a number of other potential risks. Nicotine is the main addictive element in both tobacco and the majority of vaping products, for example.

There is also increasing evidence that vaping can be harmful to your heart and lungs – although it is still considered to be far less harmful than smoking.

As we have seen, there is growing evidence to show that vaping can cause stomach pain and digestive issues for some people. It’s worth noting that if you experience severe stomach pain, pain that does not go away or pain that keeps recurring, you should seek medical advice as it could be something more serious, whether related to vaping or not.

How Reduce Stomach Pain While Vaping: 5 Tips

If you think vaping may be upsetting your stomach but you’re not ready to give it up yet, there are a few steps you can take to minimise the impact:

  • Try a lower nicotine strength: Higher nicotine levels can be more likely to cause gastrointestinal upset.
  • Switch to a different VG/PG ratio: Some people are sensitive to the base liquids used in vape juice; experimenting with different blends may help.
  • Take smaller and less frequent puffs: This may reduce the amount of vapour entering your system at once, giving your body more time to adjust.
  • Try to stay hydrated: Dehydration can exacerbate stomach symptoms and may be worsened by vaping.
  • Avoid vaping on an empty stomach: Doing so might increase the likelihood of nausea or discomfort.

Everyone’s response to vaping is different, so it may take some trial and error to find what works best for you.

When Should You See a Doctor About Stomach Pain from Vaping?

Most cases of stomach pain will pass on their own, especially if they’re caused by a temporary issue like indigestion or diet. But there are times when you should get advice from your doctor.

If you’re experiencing pain that’s severe or persistent, and if your symptoms are accompanied by vomiting, a fever, or unexplained weight loss, it warrants a GP visit. If you notice blood in your stool or vomit, and if the discomfort worsens after vaping or doesn’t improve after stopping, it’s also worth getting checked out.

Key Takeaways: Can Vaping Cause Stomach Pain?

Although vaping is still widely considered less harmful than smoking tobacco, it is not without its own risks. Stomach pain appears to be one of them for certain individuals.

Though the evidence is still quite new, some studies and reports do suggest a link between vaping and digestive symptoms such as nausea, bloating, and abdominal pain. If you’re experiencing these issues and suspect vaping could be to blame, consider making changes to your vaping habits or exploring alternatives. Your body often knows when something isn’t quite right, so it’s worth listening to.

 

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John Gillen - Director & Author at Nova Recovery

John Gillen - Author - Last updated: September 11, 2025

John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.

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