Sensitivity to Ingredients in Your Vape Juice
When switching from traditional cigarettes to vaping, it’s not uncommon to experience symptoms such as coughing, dry mouth, and a sore throat. In most cases, these symptoms are harmless and temporary. This article will delve into the reasons behind these effects, offer tips to alleviate them, and address rare cases where sensitivity or allergies to e-liquid ingredients may be involved.
While developing a sensitivity to ingredients in e-liquids is rare, it’s important to be aware of the possibility and understand the potential symptoms. In this article, we will explore the causes of ingredient sensitivity, common symptoms, and how to manage it. By staying informed, you can make the right choices and ensure that your vaping experience remains safe and enjoyable.
According to the NHS:
“If you experience side effects from vaping, seek advice from a stop-smoking adviser or a specialist vape retailer before deciding to stop using your vape as a quitting tool.
Making small adjustments to your vape products or how you vape should help. Side effects are typically manageable and shouldn’t prevent you from using vaping as a way to quit smoking.”
Similarly, Cancer Research UK points out:
“Vaping is far less harmful than smoking. Switching from smoking to vaping can benefit your health and reduce your risk of cancer.”
Sensitivity to PG in Vape Juice
For some individuals, throat irritation and coughing when vaping can be linked to sensitivity or an allergic reaction to propylene glycol (PG), one of the main ingredients in e-liquids.
PG is known to occasionally cause mild irritation in the throat, similar to reactions seen with other respiratory sensitivities.
If you frequently experience irritation or coughing when vaping, it’s worth considering that you may have a sensitivity to PG. Switching to e-liquids with a higher vegetable glycerin (VG) content could help reduce these symptoms.
If you suspect an allergy or sensitivity to PG, consulting with a healthcare professional can help identify the cause and provide guidance on managing your symptoms while vaping.
Why Is PG Used in E-Liquids?
Throat Hit
PG is popular in e-liquids because it delivers a throat hit similar to that of traditional cigarettes, offering a familiar sensation for those transitioning from smoking to vaping.
Flavor Carrier
PG is an effective flavor carrier, enhancing the taste of e-liquids. It is colorless, odorless, and slightly sweet, ensuring a clean and enjoyable flavor experience when vaping.
Thin Consistency
Compared to VG, PG has a thinner consistency, allowing e-liquids to be more easily absorbed by the wicking material in your vape device. This results in better wicking and improved vapor production.
Adjusting Viscosity
PG acts as a thinning agent in vape juice, helping to regulate viscosity. This is especially beneficial for thick vape juices, allowing them to flow more smoothly through the atomizer coil.
Preservation
PG also possesses antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, contributing to the freshness and longevity of e-liquids. These properties help prevent microbial growth and maintain e-liquid quality over time.
Why Does My Vape Make Me Cough?
Coughing when vaping is a common issue, especially for new users. This reaction occurs because the body needs time to adjust to inhaling vapor instead of smoke. Vape vapor, which is smoother and less harsh than cigarette smoke, can initially feel different to your throat and lungs, leading to coughing.
Vaping allows for deeper inhalation, and new users may take longer draws than they would with cigarettes. This can irritate the throat and trigger coughing as your body adapts to the sensation.
Common Causes of Coughing While Vaping
- Nicotine Strength
Higher nicotine levels can lead to a stronger throat hit, potentially irritating your throat and causing coughing. Choosing the right nicotine strength for your preferences is essential to avoid this discomfort. - Dry Hit or Burnt Coil
Coughing can occur if you take a “dry hit” from a burnt coil, which happens when your coil isn’t properly saturated with e-liquid. This creates a harsh sensation that irritates your throat. - Inhalation Technique
Vaping too forcefully or taking long inhales can irritate your throat. Adopting a gentler, controlled inhalation technique may help reduce coughing. - Vape Juice
The type of vape juice you use should be compatible with your device. For example, nicotine salt e-liquids are better suited for pod systems, while higher VG juices work well with sub-ohm devices. Checking your device’s specifications ensures optimal performance and avoids irritation.
How to Address Coughing When Vaping
- Choose the Right Nicotine Level
Adjust your nicotine strength to suit your needs. For high-powered devices, lower nicotine levels are recommended to avoid excessive throat irritation. - Proper Coil Maintenance
Replace your coil regularly to prevent dry hits and burnt tastes. A worn coil can reduce vapor production and flavor, resulting in a less satisfying vaping experience. - Inhalation Technique
Try taking slower, gentler draws to minimize throat irritation. A comfortable inhalation technique can make a significant difference in reducing coughing. - Use Compatible E-Liquids
Ensure your e-liquid matches your device’s requirements. High PG e-liquids provide a stronger throat hit, while high VG e-liquids offer smoother hits and larger clouds. Experiment to find the right balance for your preferences.
Why Does My Vape Burn My Throat?
If you’re experiencing a burning sensation in your throat while vaping, several factors could be contributing to the problem:
- Dry Hit
A dry hit occurs when the coil isn’t adequately saturated with e-liquid, causing it to overheat. This can produce a burnt taste and irritate your throat. Make sure to prime your coil properly and avoid vaping when your tank is low on e-liquid. - Overheating
Vaping at too high a wattage can cause the e-liquid to vaporize too quickly, leading to harsh hits and a burnt throat. Adjusting your power settings to the recommended range can help. - Coil Issues
Worn-out coils can heat e-liquid unevenly, resulting in a burnt taste and throat irritation. Regular coil maintenance is key to avoiding these issues. - Low-Quality E-Liquids
Using expired or poor-quality e-liquids may contain impurities that cause irritation. Always opt for high-quality e-liquids from reputable brands.
Dehydration from Vaping
Vaping can cause dehydration, leading to a dry or sore throat. This is because inhaling vapor can remove moisture from your mouth and throat. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help reduce these symptoms.
Sensitivity to Ingredients in E-Liquid
For some vapers, sensitivity to PG or certain flavorings can cause throat irritation. If you suspect a sensitivity, try switching to an e-liquid with a higher VG content or experimenting with different flavors.
Nicotine Strength and Inhalation Technique
High nicotine levels can cause a harsher throat hit, while taking excessively long draws can contribute to throat irritation. Adjusting your nicotine strength and adopting a gentler inhalation technique may help reduce discomfort.
Final Thoughts
While it’s normal to experience minor symptoms when transitioning to vaping, these issues can usually be resolved with simple adjustments to your device, e-liquid, or technique. By understanding the causes and solutions for sensitivity to e-liquid ingredients, you can enjoy a smoother, more enjoyable vaping experience.
At Tablites, we prioritize customer satisfaction, offering expert guidance throughout your vaping journey. If you have any questions or need advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for support.