The physical reaction of coughing when inhaling vapor, often called a “vaper’s cough,” is the body’s natural defense mechanism attempting to clear the respiratory tract of perceived irritants. While often temporary, especially for those new to vaping, the cough can occur in both new and experienced users due to a range of factors. The irritation stems from a combination of the chemical composition of the e-liquid and the mechanical delivery system of the device. Understanding the sources of this irritation is the first step toward achieving a smoother vaping experience.
Chemical Components Causing Irritation
The primary components of e-liquid—propylene glycol (PG), nicotine, and flavorings—each contribute to potential airway irritation. Propylene Glycol is known for its hygroscopic nature, meaning it draws moisture from the mucous membranes of the throat and mouth. This moisture absorption causes dryness and irritation, frequently triggering a cough. PG also creates the “throat hit,” a scratchy sensation that, if too harsh, can cause coughing in sensitive individuals.
Nicotine strength and type significantly affect the harshness of the vapor. Higher concentrations of freebase nicotine are alkaline and deliver a sharper throat hit, which can induce a cough. Nicotine salts, however, are chemically formulated to be smoother and less irritating due to a lower pH, even at higher concentrations. Certain flavorings also contain compounds that can directly irritate the airways. Flavoring chemicals such as cinnamaldehyde (in cinnamon flavors) and cooling agents like menthol have been shown to cause irritation.
Device Settings and Inhalation Technique
Beyond the e-liquid, the way a user operates their device and inhales the vapor can cause coughing. Inhalation technique is a major factor, particularly the difference between Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) and Direct-to-Lung (DTL) vaping. DTL inhalation, where vapor is drawn straight into the lungs, is often too intense for beginners and can trigger a cough due to the volume and density of the vapor. Conversely, MTL inhalation involves holding the vapor in the mouth before drawing it into the lungs, mimicking traditional smoking, which is generally less irritating for new users.
The device’s power setting also plays a role in irritation. If the wattage is set too high for the installed coil, the e-liquid vaporizes faster than the wick can resaturate, causing a “dry hit.” This results in an unpleasant, burnt taste from the scorching cotton wick, which releases irritating compounds and causes an immediate cough. Insufficient airflow can also concentrate the vapor, making it warm and dense, increasing the throat hit intensity and the likelihood of coughing.
Practical Mitigation Strategies
Adjusting the e-liquid composition is a primary way to reduce the cough reflex. Switching to an e-liquid with a higher Vegetable Glycerin (VG) ratio (70% VG or more) can significantly help because VG is smoother on the throat and less hygroscopic than PG. Reducing the nicotine strength or changing the nicotine type to salts can also minimize the harshness of the throat hit. Users sensitive to specific flavorings should experiment with simpler profiles, avoiding known irritants like cinnamon or intense cooling agents.
Proper device maintenance and technique adjustments are also important. Users should ensure their device wattage remains within the coil manufacturer’s recommended range to prevent dry hits. Taking shorter, slower puffs allows the coil wick adequate time to absorb liquid between inhalations, preventing the irritating dry hit sensation. Staying well-hydrated is also beneficial, as drinking water helps counteract the drying effect PG has on the throat and mouth tissues.
Identifying Symptoms That Require Medical Attention
While a temporary cough is often a benign sign of adjusting to vaping, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical consultation. A persistent cough that lasts beyond an initial adaptation period or noticeably worsens should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Other warning signs include the development of chest pain or tightness, fever, or unexplained shortness of breath. These symptoms, especially when combined with gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, may be indicative of a serious pulmonary illness, such as E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI). It is imperative to stop using all vaping products and seek medical care immediately if these symptoms appear.