Coughing while vaping is a very common experience, especially for those who have just switched from smoking to vaping. Don't worry, this isn't a danger sign! Usually, your body is just adapting to the vape vapor or the e-liquid composition.

Unlike cigarettes that produce tar and carbon monoxide, vapes are indeed cleaner, but their vapor can make your throat feel itchy and ultimately lead to coughing. The good news is that coughing while vaping can be easily overcome if you know the cause.

Well, to keep your vaping experience comfortable and cough-free, let's look at the complete explanation of the causes and how to overcome them below!

Causes of Coughing While Vaping

Before finding solutions, let's first understand the causes. Coughing while vaping can arise due to several factors:

1. Nicotine Level is Too High

Choosing an e-liquid with a nicotine level that is too high can be the main cause of coughing while vaping. Nicotine has a strong nature and can irritate the throat, especially for new users.

As a result, a dry and itchy sensation arises, causing you to reflexively cough after inhaling the vape. Try lowering the nicotine level or choose freebase and salt nic e-liquids with a lighter composition.

2. Too Much Propylene Glycol (PG)

PG or Propylene Glycol is a main ingredient in vape liquid that provides a "throat hit" sensation. If the content is too high, PG can make the throat feel rough and trigger coughing.

For those who are sensitive to PG, it is better to switch to high VG e-liquid or one with a balanced PG/VG because it is gentler on the throat and produces thicker vapor.

3. Incorrect Vaping Technique

Inhaling vape is very different from smoking. Inhaling vapor too deeply or quickly can irritate the throat.

Beginner vapers are usually not yet accustomed to the "mouth to lung" (MTL) or "direct to lung" (DTL) techniques, so they often experience coughing at first. Learn to regulate the inhale and exhale rhythm so that your throat is not shocked.

4. Dehydration While Vaping

PG and VG contained in e-liquid can absorb moisture in the throat. That's why vaping can make your mouth feel dry and eventually trigger a cough. Make sure you drink enough water to keep your throat moist and less irritated.

Tips to Overcome Coughing While Vaping

Now that you know the causes, it's time to apply some practical steps to minimize coughing while vaping:

1. Drink More Water

The main key to overcoming a dry throat due to vaping is to maintain your body's fluid intake. Drinking water regularly can help moisten your throat and reduce the itchy sensation that triggers coughing.

2. Adjust Airflow on Your Vape Device

Airflow or air circulation in a vape greatly affects the amount of vapor that enters the throat. If you often cough, try to reduce the airflow so that the air flow is not too strong. This way, the incoming vapor will be smoother and will not shock your throat.

3. Replace Coils Regularly

A dirty or burnt coil can cause discomfort and trigger coughing. Make sure the coil is replaced regularly to maintain optimal flavor and vapor quality.

Also Read: Does Coil Affect E-Liquid Flavor? Here's the Answer

4. Adjust the PG/VG Composition of Your E-Liquid

If you feel that the e-liquid you are using is too harsh on your throat, try switching to an e-liquid with a higher VG ratio (e.g., 70/30). A dominant VG content will make the vapor sensation smoother and less irritating to the throat.

Also Read: 5+ Recommended 50:50 PG VG E-Liquids You Can Use in Pods or AIOs

5. Use Cough Suppressants If Necessary

If your throat feels itchy or sore due to persistent coughing, you can use a mild cough suppressant. Choose one that contains anti-inflammatory ingredients to help your throat recover quickly.

Conclusion

Coughing while vaping is common, especially for new vapers. The causes can vary, from nicotine levels that are too high, dominant PG composition, to incorrect inhaling techniques. However, the good news is that this problem can be easily overcome with a few minor adjustments.

Always make sure you choose an e-liquid that suits your preferences and throat condition, regularly replace coils, and stay hydrated. This way, your vaping experience will feel much smoother, more enjoyable, and cough-free.

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