Vaping often causes coughing, particularly for those new to using an e-cigarette or when switching devices or e-liquids. Vaping involves heating a liquid solution to create an aerosol, which is then inhaled, instead of burning tobacco to create smoke. The cough is a natural reflex response by the body to clear the airways of an unfamiliar substance or irritant. Understanding the specific factors that trigger this reaction is the first step toward reducing the discomfort.
Immediate Causes of Vaping-Related Coughing
A common reason for immediate coughing is the concentration of Propylene Glycol (PG) in the e-liquid. PG is a thinner liquid base used to carry flavor and create a distinct “throat hit” sensation, mimicking the feeling of inhaling tobacco smoke. This sensation can irritate the throat and respiratory tract, causing new users to cough, particularly with liquids containing a 50% or higher PG ratio.
The nicotine content and type also influence the harshness of the vapor. Higher nicotine concentrations increase the intensity of the throat hit, which triggers coughing. Freebase nicotine, the traditional form, becomes harsher at strengths above 12 mg/mL. Nicotine salts, an alternative form, allow for higher nicotine levels (up to 50 mg/mL) while delivering a smoother sensation, often reducing the cough reflex.
Inhalation technique is a frequent cause of coughing, especially when transitioning from smoking. Most new users instinctively use a Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) draw, holding the vapor in the mouth before inhaling it into the lungs, similar to smoking a cigarette. Direct-to-Lung (DTL) vaping, where vapor is inhaled directly into the lungs, is often used with larger, higher-power devices. This technique can overwhelm a beginner’s respiratory system, causing an immediate, deep cough.
The device’s power setting can also create a harsher, cough-inducing vapor. Operating at an excessively high wattage can overheat the e-liquid, sometimes causing a “dry hit” where the cotton wick is scorched. This high heat produces an unpleasant taste and leads to the thermal decomposition of the liquid bases. This process can generate irritant chemicals, such as acrolein, a known respiratory irritant that instantly triggers a cough reflex.
How Vapor Components Irritate the Respiratory System
The physical and chemical properties of e-liquid ingredients contribute to mucosal irritation. Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG) are humectants, meaning they attract and hold moisture. When inhaled, these substances draw water from the mucous membranes lining the mouth, throat, and airways. This moisture loss results in a dry, scratchy sensation that initiates a persistent, dry cough as the body attempts to re-lubricate the irritated tissues.
The respiratory system interprets the dense, unfamiliar aerosol as a foreign body, triggering a natural protective mechanism. A cough is the body’s primary reflex to clear the airways of any perceived obstruction or irritant. Even if the vapor is not chemically irritating, the volume and density of the aerosol, particularly from high-power devices, can be enough to stimulate this reflexive clearing action.
Specific chemical components within e-liquid flavorings can also act as direct irritants. While flavorings are food-grade, some compounds are more irritating to the respiratory tract than others. Certain flavor profiles like cinnamon, menthol, and citrus have been reported to increase coughing in some users. These chemicals can cause localized irritation or temporary tightening of the airways, contributing to the coughing fit.
When a Vaping Cough Signals Serious Concern
While most initial coughing is a temporary adjustment, a persistent or changing cough may signal a more serious underlying issue. A cough lasting several weeks, especially if accompanied by severe symptoms, warrants immediate medical attention. The typical “vaper’s cough” is short-lived throat irritation, but a deep cough that produces phlegm or mucus suggests a more profound reaction within the lungs.
A cough signaling serious concern is chronic and accompanied by systemic symptoms. These red flags include:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest pain or tightness
- Fever or chills
- Gastrointestinal issues like nausea and vomiting
These combinations of symptoms suggest an inflammatory or infectious process, moving beyond mild irritation.
E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) is a rare but severe acute respiratory illness associated with vaping. EVALI symptoms, including a persistent cough and shortness of breath, often mimic common respiratory infections like the flu or pneumonia. EVALI was strongly linked to illicit products containing Vitamin E acetate, but any acute, severe respiratory symptoms after vaping require urgent care.
Long-term irritation from chronic vaping can lead to symptoms resembling chronic bronchitis. This condition is characterized by a daily cough lasting three months or longer, often accompanied by mucus production and chest congestion. The irritation impairs the cilia, the tiny hair-like structures responsible for clearing mucus, causing a build-up of phlegm and a persistent, deep cough.
Actionable Steps to Reduce Coughing
Adjusting the composition of the e-liquid is an effective way to reduce coughing. Users should switch to a liquid with a lower Propylene Glycol (PG) ratio, such as a 70% Vegetable Glycerin (VG) to 30% PG mix, since VG is smoother on the throat. Reducing the nicotine strength will lessen the intensity of the throat hit. Alternatively, switching from freebase nicotine to smoother nicotine salts can provide the desired nicotine level with less harshness.
Changing the way the vapor is inhaled can often eliminate the immediate cough reflex. Beginners should focus on a slower, gentler Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) draw, pulling the vapor into the mouth first before inhaling it into the lungs. Taking shorter puffs also reduces the volume of aerosol entering the airways, making it less likely to trigger the body’s foreign body reflex.
Since PG and VG draw moisture from the airways, increasing water intake can counteract this dehydrating effect. Staying well-hydrated keeps the throat and mouth moist, which reduces the dryness and scratchiness that leads to a persistent cough. Avoiding excessive consumption of dehydrating beverages like coffee or alcohol also helps minimize throat dryness.
Users should check and adjust their device settings to ensure the e-liquid is not overheating. Lowering the wattage or temperature produces a cooler, less dense vapor that is less irritating to the throat. Regularly replacing the coil or atomizer head prevents the unpleasant taste and harsh vapor of a burnt coil, which is a guaranteed cause of coughing. For new users, patience is beneficial; the body often adapts to the new sensation of inhaling vapor, and the initial coughing often subsides naturally within a couple of weeks.