The sensation of a burning or scratchy throat when vaping is a common issue that can detract from the experience. This discomfort, often called a harsh “throat hit,” is a symptom with multiple potential causes, ranging from the e-liquid’s chemical composition to the device settings or the user’s inhalation style. Understanding the source of the irritation is the first step toward a smoother, more enjoyable vape, and it is usually fixable with simple adjustments.
Nicotine and PG: The Chemical Irritants
The ingredients in the e-liquid are frequently the source of throat irritation. Nicotine strength directly influences the intensity of the “throat hit,” which is the sharp sensation felt upon inhalation. Higher nicotine concentrations, especially those above 12 milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL) in freebase form, naturally produce a harsher feeling that can become painful or burning. Nicotine salt formulations are chemically buffered to reduce this inherent harshness, but can still cause irritation if used in powerful devices.
Propylene Glycol (PG), one of the two main base liquids, is another primary irritant. PG carries flavor and creates the familiar throat hit sensation many former smokers seek. However, some individuals have a sensitivity or intolerance to PG, where a high PG ratio (50% or more) can cause symptoms such as a sore throat, dry mouth, or coughing.
To mitigate this chemical burn, adjust the e-liquid’s composition. Switching to a lower nicotine strength is the most direct way to reduce the throat hit. Alternatively, choosing an e-liquid with a higher ratio of Vegetable Glycerin (VG) to PG can help, as VG is thicker and produces a much smoother, gentler vapor. Many vapers who experience irritation find relief with liquids that have a VG ratio of 70% or higher.
The Dry Hit: Coil and Power Issues
A severely unpleasant burning sensation often signals a “dry hit,” caused by the hardware burning the cotton wick instead of vaporizing the liquid. This commonly occurs when the coil is nearing the end of its useful lifespan, typically after one to two weeks of use. As the coil ages, e-liquid residue can clog the wick, preventing it from properly soaking up new liquid and leading to dry spots that combust when heated.
The wattage setting on the device is another common culprit for dry hits. Every coil is designed for a specific wattage range, usually stamped on the coil or listed on the packaging. Operating the device above the coil’s recommended maximum wattage causes the coil to heat the e-liquid faster than the wick can resaturate. This results in the wick material burning and delivering a harsh, acrid taste.
Ensuring sufficient liquid flow is the best preventative measure against dry hits. This involves properly “priming” a new coil by dripping a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the exposed cotton before installation and allowing it to sit in a full tank for several minutes. Users with adjustable wattage devices must also stay within the suggested power limits to maintain the correct balance between heating speed and wicking capability.
Inhalation Style and Dehydration
The way a user inhales the vapor can significantly impact the resulting throat sensation. There are two main styles: Mouth-to-Lung (MTL), similar to drawing on a traditional cigarette, and Direct-to-Lung (DTL), involving a quick, deep inhale straight into the lungs. Using a DTL technique with high nicotine or high PG e-liquid—which produces a sharp throat hit—will almost certainly result in a severe burning feeling.
Vaping frequency can also contribute to the issue by causing the wick to dry out. Taking multiple puffs in rapid succession, known as “chain vaping,” does not allow the e-liquid enough time to travel to the coil. This continuous heating of an under-saturated wick leads to a partial dry hit, where the vapor is excessively hot and harsh.
Physiological factors, particularly dehydration, intensify any existing harshness. Both Propylene Glycol and Vegetable Glycerin are humectants, meaning they attract and absorb water molecules. When inhaled, these compounds draw moisture from the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, leading to dryness and scratchiness. This dryness exacerbates irritation caused by nicotine or PG, making a mild throat hit feel like a burn. Increasing daily water intake is an effective way to counteract this dehydrating effect.