Vaping, the act of inhaling aerosol from an electronic device, can cause coughing. This common side effect concerns many vapers, new and experienced alike. While often a temporary adjustment, a persistent cough can be bothersome. Understanding its origins and implementing practical solutions can improve the vaping experience.
Immediate Relief for Vaping Cough
When a vaping-induced cough occurs, several immediate steps offer relief. Staying well-hydrated is beneficial, as e-liquid ingredients contribute to throat dryness. Drinking water frequently helps keep the throat moist and reduces irritation. Taking a temporary break from vaping also allows airways to recover.
For ongoing discomfort, over-the-counter remedies like menthol cough drops or lozenges soothe the throat. Deep breathing exercises may calm the respiratory system. Avoiding environmental triggers like cold or dry air, which exacerbate throat irritation, can provide comfort.
Why Vaping Can Cause Coughing
Coughing from vaping often stems from e-liquid components, device settings, and inhalation techniques. E-liquids contain propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). PG delivers a “throat hit” that can be irritating, especially in higher concentrations, and some individuals may be sensitive to it. VG, thicker and responsible for vapor production, is smoother on the throat.
Nicotine strength and type also irritate the throat. Higher nicotine levels cause a harsher sensation, inducing a cough. Freebase nicotine, the traditional form, has a higher pH and is harsher, especially at elevated concentrations. Nicotine salts, formulated with acids for a neutral pH, offer a smoother throat hit even at higher strengths. Certain flavorings, like menthol or cinnamon, are potential irritants.
Improper inhalation technique can trigger a cough. Drawing vapor too aggressively or taking excessively large puffs irritates the throat and lungs. Direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping with high nicotine or wattage can overwhelm the respiratory system, causing coughing. Device settings, like high wattage or a burnt coil, produce harsh vapor that irritates airways. An overheated coil burns e-liquid, leading to a burnt taste and irritation.
Vaping contributes to dehydration because PG and VG absorb moisture. This leads to a dry mouth and throat, exacerbating irritation and prompting a cough. For individuals transitioning from smoking, a cough might also result from lungs clearing accumulated mucus and tar as cilia recover.
Strategies to Prevent Vaping Cough
Preventing a vaping cough involves adjusting e-liquid choices, refining inhalation techniques, and optimizing device settings. Experimenting with different e-liquid compositions significantly reduces irritation. Opting for e-liquids with higher vegetable glycerin (VG) content, like a 70% VG/30% PG blend, provides a smoother experience as VG is less irritating. Lowering nicotine strength or switching to nicotine salts also makes a difference, as salts offer a smoother throat hit even at higher concentrations. If specific flavorings cause irritation, try different profiles like tobacco or bakery.
Modifying vaping technique is another effective prevention strategy. Taking slower, gentler puffs prevents overwhelming the throat and lungs with vapor. For mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices, drawing vapor into the mouth first before inhaling reduces harshness. Direct-to-lung (DTL) vapers should ensure device settings and e-liquid nicotine levels are appropriate, typically lower nicotine and higher VG. Avoiding rapid, successive puffs (chain vaping) allows the coil to cool and prevents excessive throat dryness.
Optimizing device settings and maintenance contributes to preventing coughing. Ensuring the wattage setting is appropriate for the coil and e-liquid prevents the vapor from becoming too harsh or hot. Coils have recommended wattage ranges, and operating within these limits prevents burning and irritation. Properly priming new coils and replacing burnt coils are crucial, as a burnt coil produces irritating vapor.
Adjusting the device’s airflow helps; higher airflow provides cooler vapor, while lower airflow creates smaller, hotter clouds. Maintaining consistent hydration by drinking plenty of water combats the dehydrating effects of e-liquid ingredients, keeping the throat moist and reducing cough likelihood.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While a vaping cough is often temporary and manageable, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. Consult a healthcare professional if a cough persists for more than a few days or weeks, especially after adjusting vaping habits. A cough accompanied by fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain prompts immediate medical evaluation.
Other serious indicators include wheezing, coughing up blood or blood-tinged mucus, or any significant worsening of respiratory symptoms. These signs could suggest a more serious underlying condition, such as E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI), which can present with symptoms like fever, chills, and gastrointestinal issues. This information is for general understanding and does not replace professional medical advice.