Vape Cough: The Signs, Symptoms and Ways to Avoid It

Vape Cough: Is it Normal?

Coughing might be unpleasant, but there’s nothing to worry about. In fact, many users report that vaping may lead to coughing. To be precise, more than 57% of people who vape, also cough while using it. This side effect is just an indicator that the body needs some time to get used to the vapor as coughing is only a temporary effect.

How can I Avoid Coughing?

Each body responds differently to vaping. However, there are a few ways that can help you stop vape cough in its tracks. Try with different PG/VG ratio and different nicotine levels. Find the best vaporizer for you and of course, the right vaping technique. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, or add a drop of menthol e-liquid to your e-juice.

What is Vape Cough?

The first time is always unpredictable. The first day at school, the first kiss, or the first time vaping: everyone anticipates the unknown with excitement and fear. Same with the first vape!

Although vaping is one of the most rapidly growing trends that attract people, not many users know what to expect. In fact, according to data presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only in 2014, more than 3.7% of adults in the U.S. used electronic cigarettes. If you don’t find this percentage significant, let’s look at the phenomenon from another perspective: more than 9 million individuals vape (because they switched from smoking to vaping or simply out of curiosity).

These numbers are increasing. From college students to ex-smokers, the wide range of users worldwide is mind-blowing. However, many people who’ve tried vaping for the first time report one common thing: they did cough after their first time.

In fact, it’s interesting to mention that a study conducted with 600 vapers, showed that around 57% of participants coughed when they vaped for the first time.

Why Do We Cough When We Vape?

Each person is different, so the reason why vaping might cause a cough are numerous.

First of all, e-cigs contain various ingredients, which our body might find irritating. Most of all, the irritant effects might be due to propylene glycol (PG), and actually, around 10% of the population is sensitive to PG. It’s curious to mention that both propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine (VG) cause dehydration, which can also result in coughing.

Another theory suggests that it might be the amount of vapor and the way people vape that might cause coughing. Many vapors inhale into their mouth and then into their lungs before they find a better technique to vape. For individuals who switched from smoking to vaping, learning a new technique might be a hard habit to overcome.

Also, coughing might be due to the nicotine levels in e-cigs. Higher nicotine levels might cause a harsher hit and a cough. With the wide variety of e-juices, vaping provides different experiences for each user. Let’s not forget that the device one uses also affects the experience and the initial kick.

Another interesting suggestion that might explain coughing in people who stopped smoking but started vaping is related to cilia regrowth. Cilia, or the hair-like formation in the respiratory tract, could regrow when one quits smoking, which theoretically could cause coughing after the first vape.

Should you be Worried if you Have Vape Cough?

No, there’s nothing wrong. In fact, it shows that your body is healthy and your lungs detect vapor as a something foreign substance. Experts reveal that coughing and sore throat are among the most frequent side effects caused by vaping. However, don’t worry: 93% of people report that coughing is only a temporary effect, which goes when your body gets used to vaping.

How To Stop Vape Cough?

When one identifies the reason behind their coughs, they can quickly tackle the problem. First, experiment with your vaping device. Try with different PG/VG ratio and different nicotine levels. High VG levels and low nicotine levels might help you stop coughing.

Find the best vaporizer for you and of course, the right vaping technique. Consider changing the speed of inhaling. It’s believed that slow inhales may lead to coughing as there’s not enough air for the coil of the e-cig. At the same time, according to users, slow exhales can reduce people reduce their coughing.

Always drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, which actually can help you deal with other side effects, such as headaches and dizziness. Last but not least, consider another fresh idea you can try to reduce your coughs: make your e-liquid even more aromatic and delicious by simply adding a drop of menthol e-liquid to your e-juice.