Vaping Related Illness and Lung Disease NEJM Smoking cigarettes has long been proven to cause severe lung damage, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and lung cancer. Over time, cigarette smoke destroys lung tissue, fills airways with tar, Vaping & COPD Vape Smoke Free E Cigarettes Have No Benefit for COPD Patients Trying to Quit Smoking Stopping COPD inhalers can lead to higher risk of flare ups for 3 months