Avoiding Vaping-Related Coughing and Sore Throats
Vaping has become a popular alternative for smokers looking to quit the habit. In fact, tens of millions of people around the world have used vaping to help themselves quit smoking due to its pleasurable experience, which is a key aspect that other forms of nicotine replacement lack. People don’t just smoke cigarettes for the nicotine, but also because they enjoy it. Vaping bridges the gap between smoking and traditional forms of nicotine replacement, making it an effective method for quitting.
However, there are some individuals who find vaping to be less pleasurable than it should be. They often experience a sore throat from vaping or a persistent coughing, which can make the experience unpleasant. In this blog, we’ll be discussing some of the common causes of a sore throat and coughing while vaping and offering advice on how to cure it.
Too High Nicotine
Strength In order for you to enjoy vaping to the fullest, it’s important for the nicotine strength of your e-liquid to be right for your needs. If your nicotine strength is too low, you won’t find vaping satisfying – but you can easily rectify that by vaping more often or by switching to a higher nicotine strength. However, if your nicotine strength is too high, you may not be able to vape at all as you’ll cough or experience a sore throat when trying to inhale the vapor. If you experience a throat hit that’s even more intense than what you feel when smoking a cigarette, it’s likely that your nicotine strength is too high. To avoid this, it’s important to choose the right e-liquid nicotine strength that’s right for your needs.
Wrong Type of Nicotine
Vape juice brands make e-liquid with two types of nicotine: freebase nicotine and nicotine salt. In the United States and Canada, nicotine salt is used primarily for e-liquids with higher nicotine strengths, while lower-strength e-liquids use freebase nicotine. In the United Kingdom and Europe, high-strength e-liquids often contain both types of nicotine. It’s important to choose the nicotine type that’s most enjoyable and satisfying for you. If high-strength freebase nicotine e-liquid causes a sore throat or makes you cough, consider switching to nicotine salt. This type of nicotine is less alkaline than freebase nicotine and is therefore smoother for many people.
Wrong VG/PG Ratio
Vegetable glycerin (VG) and propylene glycol (PG) are the two bases used to make e-liquid. In a typical bottle of vape juice, about 10-15 percent of the contents are flavors and nicotine, while the rest is a blend of VG and PG. VG tends to produce bigger vapor clouds, while PG is a better carrier of flavors. Some people find the sensation of PG scratchy, leading to throat soreness. If this is the case for you, consider trying an e-liquid with a higher percentage of VG or even one containing no PG at all.
Side Effect of Quitting Smoking
Many new vapers quit smoking for good as soon as they start using their first vaping device. However, long-term smokers often experience increased coughing when they first quit smoking, even if they switch directly from smoking to vaping. The increased coughing is due to the cilia in the lungs becoming more active when no longer filled with smoke. The lungs start working to clear out the tar, causing you to cough. If the coughing lasts more than a few days, it may be a sign of a more serious problem, and it’s recommended to speak to a doctor.
Inhaling Style
It’s important to know that inhaling style can also affect the vaping experience. If you inhale too aggressively, you may experience a sore throat or coughing due to the harshness of the vapor. On the other hand, if you inhale too slowly, the vapor may not be as flavorful or satisfying. The right inhaling style will depend on the device you’re using, your personal preference, and the type of e-liquid you’re using. Experimenting with different inhaling styles can help you find the one that works best for you and minimizes the risk of a sore throat and coughing.
Dehydration
Finally, dehydration is another common cause of a sore throat and coughing while vaping. When you inhale vapor, it causes your mouth and throat to become dry, which can lead to a sore throat. Dehydration can also cause coughing. It’s important to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and to reduce the risk of a sore throat and coughing. Aim to drink at least 8 cups of water per day, or more if you’re drinking caffeine or alcohol, which can dehydrate you further.
In conclusion, a sore throat and coughing while vaping can be caused by a number of factors, including nicotine strength, type of nicotine, VG/PG ratio, side effects of quitting smoking, inhaling style, and dehydration. To avoid these problems, it’s important to choose the right nicotine strength, type of nicotine, VG/PG ratio, and inhaling style. If you experience a sore throat or coughing while vaping, it’s important to address the problem immediately to ensure you can continue to enjoy the benefits of vaping without discomfort. Drinking plenty of water, avoiding dehydration, and speaking to a doctor if the problem persists can also help you overcome these issues.
