Why Do Vapes Make Me Cough? 7 Key Factors Explained

Vaping has taken the world by storm, promising a smoother, cleaner alternative to smoking, but for many, the experience comes with an unexpected twist — a sudden, throat-tingling cough. Why do vapes make me cough? It's a question countless enthusiasts have asked, and in this blog post, you'll uncover the science, tips, and tricks to enjoy vaping without discomfort. Ready to transform your experience and leave those cough-inducing puffs behind? Let's dive in!

Why Do Vapes Make Me Cough?

Uncovering the reasons behind a vape-induced cough empowers you to make adjustments for a smoother vaping experience, so let's explore the key factors and their effects on your body.

1. The Shock of Vapor: Adapting to the Sensation

Vapor is fundamentally different from cigarette smoke. Unlike smoke, which consists of burned particles, vapor is a mist of liquid droplets. This dense vapor can feel heavier as it enters your airways, triggering your throat and lungs to respond defensively. It's a reflex to protect you from potential irritants, even though vape vapor is far less harmful than smoke.

New vapers often cough because their bodies are unaccustomed to this unique sensation. Over time, as your throat and lungs adapt, the coughing may subside. However, for some, vapor's denser nature than smoke might always feel a bit foreign, especially with direct-to-lung (DTL) devices that deliver large vapor clouds.

2. Nicotine Strength and the Throat Hit

Nicotine levels heavily shape your vaping experience. Nicotine is an alkaloid that naturally provides a "throat hit," a sharp sensation in the back of your throat. For smokers transitioning to vaping, this throat hit is often desirable because it mimics the feel of smoking.

However, higher nicotine concentrations — common in nicotine salt e-liquids — can make the throat hit too intense, especially for those who aren't accustomed to it. Even seasoned vapers might cough when experimenting with new e-liquids, as the throat hit varies based on nicotine type and concentration.

3. Propylene Glycol Sensitivity: A Common Irritant

PG, one of the basic ingredients in e-liquid, is known for its ability to carry the flavor and provide a pronounced throat hit, but it can also irritate sensitive individuals. If you're sensitive to PG, it could be the culprit behind your throat irritation, dryness, and vape cough.

4. Improper Inhalation Technique: Adjusting Your Approach

Vaping isn't the same as smoking, and the inhalation technique you use for cigarettes doesn't always translate to vaping. Many vapes, especially mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices, require a two-step process: Draw the vapor into your mouth like sipping through a straw, then inhale the vapor into your lungs.

Directly inhaling vapor as you would cigarette smoke (known as direct-to-lung or DTL) can feel overwhelming and cause a cough, particularly for beginners or when using high-powered vaping devices.

5. Dry Hits and Burnt Coils: A Harsh Surprise

Few things in vaping are as unpleasant as a dry hit. It occurs when your coil — essentially the heating element of your vape — isn't adequately soaked with e-liquid to vaporize, resulting in an acrid, burnt sensation.

Dry hits irritate your throat and lungs, almost guaranteeing a coughing fit. They're usually caused by:

• A nearly empty e-liquid tank.
• Frequent vaping prevents the coil from reabsorbing e-liquid fully.
• Use an old or damaged coil.

6. Flavor Concentration and Additives: When Taste Hits Hard

Flavored e-liquids are a hallmark of vaping, but certain flavor profiles can be more irritating than others. Menthol, citrus, and cinnamon-based flavors are known for their sharpness, which can trigger coughing, especially when paired with a high PG ratio. Some e-liquids also contain synthetic additives or sweeteners that intensify the flavor but irritate the throat.

7. Preexisting Health Conditions: Know Your Body

If you have underlying respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or allergies, vaping can exacerbate your symptoms. While vape vapor doesn't contain the harmful tar and many toxins found in cigarette smoke, it can still irritate sensitive airways. Additionally, if you've recently quit smoking, your lungs may still be recovering, which can make them more reactive to any kind of inhaled substance.

Coughing from vaping isn't necessarily a sign that vaping is "bad" for you, but it's a clear indicator that something about your setup, technique, or e-liquid isn't quite right.

How to Vape Without Coughing?

Focus on practical solutions to reduce coughing and enjoy smoother, more satisfying vaping sessions.

1. Start with a Lower Nicotine Level

Choose an e-liquid with a lower nicotine concentration. Look for options labeled as 6mg or 3mg if you're using freebase nicotine, or start with 10mg for nicotine salts. Gradually reduce the nicotine strength to ease into a smoother throat hit without coughing.

2. Opt for a High-VG E-Liquid

Switch to e-liquids with a higher vegetable glycerin (VG) content. Select blends like 70/30 VG to PG or even max VG options if your vape device supports them to make the vapor smoother and easier on your throat.

3. Adjust Your Inhalation Technique

Practice the mouth-to-lung (MTL) method by drawing vapor into your mouth first, then slowly inhaling it into your lungs. Take slower, deeper breaths with direct-to-lung (DTL) devices to better manage the vapor. Experiment with your inhale style until it feels natural.

4. Take Controlled Draws

Slow down your pulls on the device. Instead of quick, hard puffs, take long, gentle draws to help regulate the vapor and keep your throat from feeling overwhelmed.

5. Prime the Coil Correctly

Before using a new coil, add a few drops of e-liquid directly to the cotton wick. After installing the coil, fill the tank and wait 5-10 minutes to ensure the coil is saturated and prevents harsh, dry hits.

6. Stay Hydrated

Keep water nearby while vaping and take sips regularly to help keep your throat moist and minimize irritation from vapor inhalation.

7. Experiment with Milder Flavors

Switch to gentler e-liquid flavors like vanilla, cream, or mild fruits to reduce coughing from intense profiles like menthol or citrus. Test different options until you find one that feels comfortable.

8. Fine-Tune Your Device Settings

Lower the wattage or temperature on your vape device if it feels too hot or strong. Start at the lowest setting and gradually increase until you find a comfortable balance of flavor and vapor production.

9. Allow Time for Adjustment

Take shorter vaping sessions at first and give yourself time to adapt. Gradually increase the duration and frequency as you become more comfortable with the vapor.

FAQs

Q1: How Long Does It Take for a Vape Cough to Go Away?

The duration of vape cough varies from person to person. For new vapers, it can take a few days to a couple of weeks for your throat and lungs to adjust to vapor. If coughing persists, it could be due to factors like nicotine strength, e-liquid composition, or your inhalation technique. Adjusting these elements often resolves the issue.

If you've recently quit smoking and started vaping, coughing may last longer as your body clears out accumulated tar and toxins from your lungs. Staying hydrated, using a smoother e-liquid, and practicing proper vaping techniques can help speed up the adjustment.

Q2: Will My Cough Go Away if I Stop Vaping?

In most cases, yes. If vaping irritates your throat or lungs, stopping should alleviate the cough. However, how quickly the cough disappears depends on the underlying cause.

If it's due to temporary irritation or sensitivity, your symptoms might resolve within a few days. If your cough is related to other factors, like quitting smoking or an existing respiratory condition, it could take longer.

Pay attention to your body, and if the cough persists even after stopping vaping, consider consulting a healthcare professional.

Q3: What Is a Dry Hit?

A dry hit happens when the coil in your vape doesn't have enough e-liquid to vaporize, leading to a harsh, burnt taste and throat irritation. It typically occurs when the tank is low or empty, the coil isn't properly primed, or the wick fails to absorb liquid fast enough due to frequent puffs or thick e-liquids.

To avoid dry hits, always keep your tank filled, allow new coils to saturate 5–10 minutes before use, and pace your puffs to give the wick time to absorb more e-liquid. If you experience a dry hit, check your tank and coil, and replace the coil if it's damaged or burnt.

Q4: Is Coughing from Vaping Bad?

Coughing from vaping isn't necessarily harmful, but it's a sign that something about your vaping setup or habits needs adjustment.

However, persistent or severe coughing should not be ignored. If you're unsure whether vaping is causing your cough, or if it's accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

Q5: Does Vaping Cause Coughing?

Yes, vaping can cause coughing, particularly for beginners or those using improper settings. Common triggers include high nicotine levels, high-PG e-liquids, and incorrect inhalation techniques. For experienced vapers, coughing might be caused by dry hits, old coils, or irritating flavors.

The good news? Vaping doesn't have to cause coughing. With the right adjustments, you can significantly reduce or eliminate coughing altogether.

Vaping can sometimes cause coughing. If you've been asking, "Why do vapes make me cough?", it usually comes down to factors like your setup, high nicotine levels, improper inhalation methods, or using the wrong e-liquid composition. Take the time to experiment and customize your approach, and vaping will feel as seamless as it's meant to be.