Why does switching to vaping make you cough?
When first switching from smoking some vapers find they begin to develop a cough. This can occur for a range of reasons from poor inhalation to the nicotine content of your e-liquid being too high. Read on to learn more about vapers cough and its causes and quick fixes.
What is vapers cough?
It is estimated that vapers' cough affects up to 57% of new vapers. Vapers cough can be described as irritation of the throat or the cilia in the lung, caused by vaping. Usually vapers cough is temporary and can be easily remedied, unlike smokers cough, which generally lasts as long as you continue to smoke.
Is there a difference between vapers cough and smokers cough?
Yes, there are several key differences between vapers cough and smokers cough:
Vapers Cough
- A dry cough.
- Mostly occurs at night.
- Common in new vapers.
- Easily rectified.
Smokers Cough
- A productive cough(produces mucus/phlem).
- Chronic.
- A sign of long term lung damage.
- Occurs any time of day.
- Long-term.
Common causes of vapers cough and how to fix them
Vapers cough is often caused by:
- Improper vaping technique: Ex-smokers often try to inhale their vape the same way they would a cigarette. When vaping this can feel overly harsh on the lungs and cause coughing. We recommend starting with a simple MTL inhale to avoid this.
- High propylene glycol(PG) content: PG is responsible for the satisfying throat hit you experience when vaping. However you can have too much of a good thing and e-liquids with high PG contents can feel very harsh on the throat and cause coughing. To remedy this use e-liquids with an equal or higher VG ratio.
- High nicotine content: E-liquids with high nicotine contents (e.g. 20mg) may cause irritation. If you think this is the cause of your irritation try vaping with a lower nicotine e-liquid.
- Dehydration: PG can sometimes absorb moisture from the mouth, throat, and lungs, leading to coughing. To combat this simply ensure you drink lots of water whenever you vape.
Usually vapers cough will last between a few days to several weeks. This is because your lungs are getting used to the ingredients in e-liquids and are beginning to heal from damage caused by smoking.
Yes, in some cases vaping can cause you to develop asthma, this is a particular concern for young vapers and is why vaping is strictly limited to those who are over 18.
Both the NHS and Cancer Research UK have verified that vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking.
Nicotine is very addictive but is not thought to be the most harmful component of vaping/smoking. However, nicotine can cause high blood pressure and high heart rate, as well as dizziness and gastrointestinal issues in some people.
Yes, your lungs can repair themselves significantly after being damaged by smoking, regardless of age or how long you were smoking for. The healing process can take some time but after just 12 hours the carbon monoxide levels in the blood normalises, and after a few weeks the cilia in your lungs regain function, greatly reducing coughing and shortness of breath.
This is due to a number of factors including: dehydration during the day from vaping, lying down causing mucus to gather in the throat, the lungs producing excess mucus to repair themselves from smoking.
Yes, vaping can cause a sore throat due to dehydration, nicotine, and propylene glycol.
There are a few steps you can take in order to ease a coughing fit. Some recommendations include:
- Slowly sip fluids such as water, warm tea, or honey and lemon.
- Have a teaspoon of honey.
- Use steam/humidity. Having a shower or using a humidifier can help.
- Suck throat lozenges.
- Avoid anything that may irritate the throat or airways more. You should steer clear of dry air, perfumes, deodorants, and smoke.