Why Does Vaping Make Me Cough? Explained by Experts

Vaping has become a popular alternative to smoking cigarettes. However, some people experience coughing when they first start vaping. This can be a frustrating experience, especially for those who are trying to quit smoking. In this article, we will explore the reasons why vaping makes some people cough and what can be done to prevent it.

Understanding Vaping and Coughing When people vape, they inhale a vapour created by heating an e-liquid. The e-liquid contains nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals. The vapour is then exhaled, creating a cloud that looks like smoke. While vaping is generally considered safer than smoking, some people may experience coughing when they first start vaping.

Physiological Responses to Vaping There are several reasons why people may experience coughing when they start vaping. One reason is that the vapour can be irritating to the throat and lungs. This is because the vapour contains chemicals that can cause inflammation and irritation. Another reason is that some people may be sensitive to the propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerin (VG) used in e-liquids. These chemicals can also cause irritation in some people.

Key Takeaways

• Vaping can cause coughing due to the irritants in the vapour and sensitivity to e-liquid ingredients.
• Proper technique, lower nicotine levels, and higher VG e-liquids can help reduce coughing.
• Vaping is generally considered safer than smoking, but regulatory and safety considerations should be taken into account.

Understanding Vaping and Coughing

Vaping is a popular alternative to smoking that uses an electronic device to heat e-liquids or vape juice and produce vapour that is then inhaled. While vaping is generally considered to be a safer alternative to smoking, some vapers experience coughing when they first start vaping.

Components of E-Liquids

E-liquids or vape juice are made up of several components, including propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), nicotine, and flavourings. PG and VG are used to create the base of the e-liquid, while nicotine and flavourings are added to create the desired taste and strength.

PG is a common ingredient in e-liquids and is used to create a stronger throat hit. However, some people may be sensitive to PG and experience coughing or irritation when vaping. VG, on the other hand, is smoother and produces thicker vapour clouds, but it can also cause coughing if the vaper is not used to inhaling a lot of vapour.

Vaping Technique and Equipment

Vaping technique and equipment can also contribute to coughing. For example, chain vaping or vaping at too high a heat can quickly dry out coils and cause them to be burnt, leading to coughing.

Moreover, a bad vape mod or atomizer can also cause coughing. If the device is not producing enough vapour or is producing too much heat, it can cause irritation in the throat, leading to coughing.

In addition, the nicotine level and PG/VG ratio in the e-liquid can also contribute to coughing. High levels of nicotine or PG can cause throat irritation, while a high VG ratio can cause coughing due to the production of thicker vapour clouds.

Overall, understanding the components of e-liquids and proper vaping technique and equipment can help vapers reduce coughing and enjoy a smoother vaping experience.

Physiological Responses to Vaping

Vaping is a popular activity among smokers who want to quit smoking. However, some vapers may experience coughing when vaping. This section will explore the physiological responses to vaping that can cause coughing.

Throat Hit and Irritation

One of the reasons why vapers cough is due to the throat hit. The throat hit is the sensation that vapers feel in their throat when they inhale the vapour. The throat hit is caused by the nicotine and the propylene glycol (PG) in the e-liquid. PG is a common ingredient in e-liquids that is used to create a throat hit. However, some people may be sensitive to PG, which can cause throat irritation and coughing when vaping.

Effects on the Respiratory Tract

Vaping can also affect the respiratory tract, which can cause coughing. The respiratory tract includes the nose, throat, and lungs. When a person vapes, the vapour enters the respiratory tract and can cause irritation. This can lead to coughing, sore throat, and phlegm.

The cilia in the respiratory tract can also be damaged by vaping. Cilia are small hair-like structures that line the respiratory tract. They help to remove mucus and other particles from the lungs. When a person vapes, the cilia can become damaged, which can make it harder for the respiratory tract to remove mucus and other particles. This can lead to coughing and other respiratory problems.

In conclusion, vaping can cause coughing due to the throat hit and irritation caused by the nicotine and PG in the e-liquid. It can also affect the respiratory tract, including the cilia, which can lead to coughing and other respiratory problems. It is important for vapers to use e-liquids that are suitable for their needs and to take care of their respiratory system.

Comparing Smoking and Vaping

When it comes to the differences between smoking and vaping, there are several factors to consider. This section will explore some of the main differences between the two, including inhalation methods and chemical composition.

Differences in Inhalation

One of the most significant differences between smoking and vaping is the way in which the user inhales the substances. Smoking involves inhaling tobacco smoke, which contains harmful chemicals and toxins such as tar. The smoke can cause damage to the lungs and has been linked to lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.

In contrast, vaping involves inhaling an aerosol, or vapour, that is created by heating an e-liquid. The vapour contains significantly fewer harmful chemicals than tobacco smoke, making it a less harmful alternative to smoking. While vaping is not completely risk-free, it is considered to be substantially less harmful than smoking.

Chemical Composition and Health Impact

Another significant difference between smoking and vaping is the chemical composition of the substances. Tobacco smoke contains thousands of harmful chemicals, including tar, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde. These chemicals can cause significant damage to the lungs and other organs and have been linked to a range of health problems.

In contrast, e-liquids used in vaping contain far fewer harmful chemicals. While there is still some debate about the long-term health effects of vaping, experts generally agree that it is a less harmful alternative to smoking.

Overall, while both smoking and vaping involve inhaling substances into the lungs, there are significant differences between the two. Vaping is considered to be a less harmful alternative to smoking, with fewer harmful chemicals and toxins.

Common Issues and Solutions

When it comes to vaping, coughing is a common issue that many vapers face. However, there are several reasons why vaping makes you cough, and it’s essential to understand the root cause of the problem to find a solution. In this section, we’ll discuss some of the most common issues that cause coughing while vaping and their possible solutions.

Allergic Reactions and Sensitivities

One of the most common reasons why vaping makes you cough is an allergic reaction or sensitivity to one or more ingredients in the e-liquid. Some vapers may be allergic to propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerin (VG), which are the two main ingredients in e-liquid. If you’re experiencing coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath after vaping, you may be allergic to one of these ingredients.

Solution: Try switching to an e-liquid with a different PG/VG ratio or a different flavour. You can also try a nicotine salt e-liquid, which is less harsh on the throat.

Device Settings and Maintenance

Another common reason why vaping makes you cough is incorrect device settings or poor device maintenance. If your wattage is too high, it can cause the e-liquid to vaporise too quickly, resulting in a harsh hit on the throat. Additionally, if your atomizer is burnt or clogged, it can cause the e-liquid to taste burnt and harsh.

Solution: Adjust your wattage to a lower setting, clean your atomizer regularly, and replace your coils when they become burnt or clogged. It’s also essential to keep your vape mod clean and well-maintained to ensure optimal performance.

In conclusion, coughing while vaping can be caused by several factors, including allergic reactions, sensitivity to ingredients, incorrect device settings, and poor device maintenance. By understanding the root cause of the problem, you can take steps to find a solution and enjoy a smoother vaping experience.

Regulatory and Safety Considerations

When it comes to vaping, there are a number of regulatory and safety considerations that users should be aware of. In the UK and EU, e-cigarettes are regulated under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, which sets out rules around the manufacture, sale, and advertising of e-cigarettes. These regulations are designed to ensure that e-cigarettes are safe for users and that they are not marketed to young people.

One of the key safety considerations when it comes to vaping is nicotine strength. While vaping is generally considered to be less harmful than smoking, nicotine is still an addictive substance and can be dangerous if consumed in large quantities. As such, e-liquids are available in a range of nicotine strengths, from 0mg to 20mg. Users should choose a nicotine strength that is appropriate for their needs and should never exceed the recommended dosage.

Another important consideration when it comes to vaping is the type of e-liquid used. E-liquids are available in a range of different flavours and types, including freebase e-liquid and nicotine salts. Some e-liquids also contain flavourings, which can be a source of concern for some users. However, it is worth noting that the vast majority of e-liquid flavourings have been deemed safe for use in e-cigarettes.

Overall, while vaping can be a safe and enjoyable alternative to smoking, it is important for users to be aware of the potential risks and to take steps to minimise them. By choosing a safe and reliable device, using appropriate e-liquids, and following recommended dosage guidelines, users can enjoy the benefits of vaping while minimising the risks.

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