Why Does Vaping Make You Cough (and 6 Ways to Stop It)?

Many people experience coughing when trying e-cigarettes for the first time, especially beginners. While vaping is generally smoother than smoking traditional cigarettes, coughing can still be an issue for some. So, why does vaping make you cough, and more importantly, how can you stop it? Let’s explore the common reasons and six practical solutions to address the problem.

Why Does Vaping Cause Coughing?

• High Nicotine Strength
  A high concentration of nicotine can irritate the throat, especially for those who are new to vaping or sensitive to nicotine. If your e-liquid contains too much nicotine, it may be the primary cause of your cough.
• Wrong Inhalation Technique
  The way you inhale when vaping is different from smoking. Cigarettes are typically "directly inhaled," while vaping offers two methods: mouth-to-lung (MTL) and direct-to-lung (DTL). Using the wrong technique can irritate your throat and lead to coughing.
• High Propylene Glycol (PG) Content
  Propylene glycol (PG) is a common ingredient in e-liquids and is used to enhance flavor and throat hit. However, some people may find PG too harsh, causing throat dryness and coughing.
• Overly Hot Vapor
  Using high-powered devices or improper settings may produce overly hot vapor, which can burn your throat and trigger coughing.
• Device Settings Issues
  Improper airflow or wattage settings on your device can lead to unpleasant vaping experiences. For example, low airflow or excessively high wattage may make the vapor feel too strong or too hot.
• Lack of Adaptation
  Your body might simply need time to adjust to vaping. The physical properties of vapor—its density and moisture—can initially feel unfamiliar and cause coughing.
• Dry Mouth or Throat
  Vaping can absorb moisture from your mouth and throat, leading to dryness, which in turn can cause irritation and coughing.

6 Ways to Stop Coughing While Vaping

• Adjust Your Nicotine Strength
  If you’re using e-liquids with a high nicotine concentration, try lowering the strength. For example, reduce from 6mg to 3mg, or even experiment with nicotine-free options. If you're transitioning from smoking, lowering the nicotine level gradually can help reduce throat irritation.
• Change Your Inhalation Technique
  Correct inhalation techniques can significantly reduce coughing:
  • Mouth-to-Lung (MTL): Draw vapor into your mouth first, then inhale it into your lungs. This technique is ideal for smaller, low-power devices and new vapers.
  • Direct-to-Lung (DTL): Inhale the vapor directly into your lungs, similar to breathing. This works better with high-power devices.
  If you’re a beginner, start with MTL, as it mimics smoking more closely and is gentler on the throat.
• Use High-VG E-Liquids
  If you’re sensitive to PG, consider switching to high-VG (Vegetable Glycerin) or even PG-free e-liquids. VG is smoother on the throat and produces thicker vapor clouds. Common ratios include 70% VG / 30% PG or higher VG blends.
• Adjust Your Device Settings
  
  • Lower Power Settings: Reduce the wattage on your device to decrease vapor temperature and density.
  • Increase Airflow: Adjust the airflow settings to allow smoother vapor intake, reducing throat irritation.
• Stay Hydrated
  Since vapor can absorb moisture from your mouth and throat, drinking water frequently is essential. Staying hydrated will help keep your throat moist and reduce the likelihood of coughing.
• Give Yourself Time to Adapt
  If you’re new to vaping, coughing might just be a short-term adjustment as your body gets used to the vapor. Over a few days or weeks, most people find that the coughing subsides. In the meantime:
  • Use e-liquids with lower PG and nicotine levels.
  • Take smaller puffs to avoid overwhelming your throat.

Extra Tips: Choose the Right Device and E-Liquid

• Pick a Suitable Device
  Beginners should start with simple MTL devices, such as pod systems, rather than high-powered box mods. These devices mimic traditional smoking and provide a smoother, more controlled vapor experience.
• Use Quality E-Liquids
  Stick to reputable brands that use high-quality ingredients. Avoid cheap or unknown e-liquids that may contain harmful or irritating additives.

Conclusion

Coughing while vaping is a common issue, especially for new users, but it can be resolved with the right approach. By adjusting your nicotine level, using the correct inhalation technique, tweaking your device settings, and choosing the right e-liquid, you can enjoy a smooth and pleasant vaping experience.

Remember, your body may also need time to adapt, so be patient and make gradual changes. Once you find the right combination of device and e-liquid, you’ll discover that vaping can be an enjoyable and satisfying alternative to smoking!