Vaping instead of smoking and began coughing? There is nothing to worry about, it is only natural. It is just your body acclimating to a healthier form of smoking nicotine. In the majority of cases, after you adjust few minor details, the cough is gone, such as:
- Changing how you inhale
- Trying a different vape juice or VG/PG ratio
- Lowering nicotine strength
- Staying hydrated
After acclimatizing the body, the coughing would inherently disappear, and never forget that vaping has already been confirmed to be less harmful compared to cigarette smoking.
Introduction
To start with, congratulations, it is a noteworthy move to quit smoking in favor of vaping since it puts oneself on a healthier path. There is no smell of smoke, no ash, and no left-over tobacco savor. However, now that you have started coughing when you vape, so are many people.
This is among the most frequent experiences of acting new vapers. It is annoying, particularly in the case when you did not think vaping will feel more comfortable than smoking. The positive side is that the cough is temporary and can be solved. In this manual, we are going to determine why coughing occurs when you clean up vaping and how to prevent it and when to check with a doctor.
Why You Cough After Switching to Vaping
1. Your Body Is Detoxing
Once you quit smoking, your body starts to unblock cigars and toxins, which are accumulated in your lungs. That the process of natural cleaning may cough you off as your airways begin to heal. It reveals itself that your body is healing itself.
2. Throat Irritation
Vape vapour is distinctly different to cigarette smoke. It is smoother and yet your throat and lungs do not know it. This initial inconvenience is mostly short sided as your body adapts. But it also may vary depending on what type of e-liquid you have and what type of device you are using.
3. High PG Vape Juice
The liquid used in E-liquids is composed of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG). PG gives a deeper throat hit and is easy to carry flavour whereas VG gives smoother and thicker vapour. When e-liquid is comprised of high content of PG it can be too harsh and cause coughing. Use a 50/50 mix or an even greater VG mix to have a smoother experience.
4. Too Much Nicotine
The smokers tend to think that they should use the strongest nicotine level when they are switching to vaping and this can backfire. Nicotine containing freebase can irritate the throat particularly when it is taken in excess of 12mg. Instead use nicotine salts (nic salts) which offer a smoother hit at higher strengths and absorb better like a cigarette.
5. Incorrect Inhalation Technique
Vaping is not similar to smoking, and the method of intake is relevant. There are two main styles:
- Mouth-to-Lung (MTL): Draw vapour into your mouth, then into your lungs , similar to smoking a cigarette. Ideal for beginners and low-power pod systems.
- Direct-to-Lung (DTL): Inhale vapour straight into your lungs , better suited for advanced vapers using high-powered sub-ohm devices.
Thus, when you are smoking an MTL kit but breathing like a DTL smoker, you are likely to cough. And this is also true with coil resistance that is too low, the sub-ohm coils (younger than 1.0 ohms) may create large vape clouds, and that may choke your throat until you get used to it.
How to Stop Coughing When You Vape
1. Lower the Nicotine Strength
In case you are coughing much, perhaps your nicotine is too high. Attempt to reduce to 10-20mg nic salts or even 5mg to achieve light level of satisfaction. It will still provide you with your nicotine boost, and the throat punch is much gentler that makes vaping enjoyable.
2. Adjust the VG/PG Ratio
Finding the right VG/PG balance is key to a smooth vape. Here's a quick guide:
| Ratio | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 70VG / 30PG | Smooth vapour, light throat hit | DTL vaping with sub-ohm kits |
| 50VG / 50PG | Balanced hit and flavour | MTL vaping with starter or pod kits |
If you're sensitive to throat irritation, start with a balanced 50/50 blend and adjust from there.
3. Improve Your Inhalation Technique
Draw slowly, and in a steady fashion. Wait and allow the coil to warm the liquid before breathing. Providing your vape device has an airflow option, test opening and closing different airflow options, a tighter one will work with MTL vaping but a more open one would work with DTL.
4. Use the Right Vape Kit
How easy your vape is depends a lot on your kit. And you may be coughing more frequently in case your device is too powerful or is driven to DTL vaping. Beginners can just use prefilled pod kits, which are easy, and similar, and do not require working with e-liquids or coils. When you feel at ease, you can step up to refillable pod systems and can have a better level of control and flavour.
5. Stay Hydrated
Vaping may also dehydrate your mouth and throat, as PG is humidifier. When you are not getting enough water that losses of water can then translate into coughing. To avoid irritation and maintain state of hydration, keep a bottle of water well in reach and take small sips every now and then.
When to Seek Professional Advice
In case your cough does not go away despite these changes, you better consult a medical specialist. Seek the advice of your GP or pharmacist in case:
- It is more than a few weeks of cough
- You experience dyspnea, wheeze, or chest pains
- You think that you are allergic or intolerant to PG or flavouring substances
It might not be related to vaping at all, but checking in with a professional ensures peace of mind and safety.
Conclusion
Coughing following the adoption of vaping is a natural occurrence, and almost invariably, transient. It is most often your body adapting to the cleaner and smokeless method of acquiring nicotine. By making some minor modifications such as reducing your nicotine strength, changing your VG/PG ratio or finding a better method of inhalation, you would be able to experience a much smoother and more enjoyable vape.
Keep it up, test your system, and keep in mind, it is all the transition. Soon, that irritating cough would be gone and you will be enjoying your favourite flavours easily.
Need help choosing your next vape kit or e-liquid? Our team at Phantom Vapes is here to guide you. Whether you're a first-time vaper or ready to upgrade your setup, we'll help you find your perfect match.
