The key facts
- Vapers aged 16–40 are turning to doctors with complaints resembling early COPD symptoms (according to SHOT)
- Pulmonologist Alexey Nikishenkov: the number of Russians with complications from e-cigarettes rose by 30% over the year
- In North Ossetia, vapes are sold despite the ban in effect since September 1, 2026
COPD symptoms in young e-cigarette users
According to SHOT, cited by Life.ru, the first wave of cases has already been recorded: fans of e-cigarettes aged 16 to 40 are turning to doctors en masse. They complain of dryness and pain in the throat, cough, shortness of breath, wheezing in the chest, and voice changes. According to the outlet, these are the first symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which progresses and cannot be cured. COPD ranks third among the leading causes of death worldwide; about 3 million people die from it every year.
The disease used to be associated with tobacco
Previously, COPD was diagnosed mainly in heavy smokers; among well-known people, the disease was found in actor Mikhail Yefremov. According to the publication, suspicions of the incurable lung disease have now begun to arise among vapers for the first time. Doctors, according to Life.ru, predict the situation will worsen: children start trying e-cigarettes as early as age 9–11, while COPD usually develops after 10–15 years of smoking.
Rise in complications and lack of specific treatment
Pulmonologist Alexey Nikishenkov said that over the past year the number of Russians with complications from e-cigarettes grew by 30%. There is no specific treatment for severe lung damage, including the so-called 'popcorn lung.' Patients may require oxygen therapy, lung ventilation, and in severe cases, mechanical ventilation. The main condition of treatment is to completely give up vaping: with a short smoking history, the consequences may pass after treatment, but if changes in the lungs have already formed, COPD, bronchiolitis, and bronchial asthma are possible in the future.
The ban in North Ossetia is not being observed
Vapes continue to be sold in North Ossetia despite the ban law: e-cigarettes have been found even in the center of Vladikavkaz. The republic was the first in southern Russia to adopt such a law — the parliament approved it on February 26, 2026. From September 1, the sale of vapes and the production and sale of nicotine-containing products were supposed to cease. Residents and businesses were warned of fines: for citizens — from 3 to 5 thousand rubles, for officials — from 30 to 50 thousand, for companies — from 50 to 80 thousand rubles.
