Vaping has become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to smoking cigarettes. However, some vapers experience coughing when using e-cigarettes. A vape cough can occur for a variety of reasons and may go away on its own or with some lifestyle changes. Here is an in-depth look at the causes of vape cough and how to get rid of it.
What Causes a Vape Cough?
There are several potential causes for developing a cough from vaping:
- PG/VG – The two main ingredients in vape juice are propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). Some people may be sensitive to these chemicals and experience coughing when vaping juices with high PG or VG content.
- Nicotine – Nicotine is an irritant and can cause throat irritation and coughing when vaping, especially at high concentrations.
- Flavorings – Certain flavorings used in e-liquids may trigger coughing for some vapers who are sensitive to the ingredients.
- High power settings – Using very high temperature or wattage settings on a vape mod can produce vapor that is harsh on the throat and cause coughing.
- Dehydration – Vaping can dry out the throat, which makes it more sensitive and prone to coughing. Staying hydrated is key.
- Illness – Pre-existing illnesses like asthma, bronchitis, or a cold can be exacerbated by vaping and lead to coughing.
- Getting accustomed – For some new vapers, coughing is temporary while getting used to vaping and goes away after the transition from smoking.
Identifying the exact cause of your vape cough will help you figure out how to treat it. It could be a single factor or a combination leading to throat irritation and cough reflexes when vaping.
Tips to Get Rid of a Vape Cough
If you are experiencing coughing from vaping, here are some tips to help get rid of a vape cough:
- Drink more water – Staying hydrated can soothe throat irritation and loosen mucus.
- Lower nicotine strength – Using lower nicotine e-liquid may help reduce throat irritation.
- Change VG/PG ratio – Switching to a higher VG ratio juice is often less harsh.
- Lower power setting – Turn down the wattage/temp on your device to produce less vapor.
- Use a mouth-to-lung device – MTL vaping is gentler than direct lung inhaling.
- Try a different flavor – Menthol or cooling flavors may help suppress cough reflex.
- Use throat lozenges – Sucking on lozenges can coat and soothe an irritated throat.
- Take a break from vaping – Give your throat a rest by abstaining from vaping for a day or two.
- See a doctor – If cough persists despite lifestyle changes, see a doctor to check for infection.
- Consider quitting – For some, the only way to stop vape cough is to quit vaping altogether.
Be patient and try making one change at a time to narrow down the cause. Over time, you should notice improvements in coughing and throat irritation as you discover hacks that work for you.
When to See a Doctor
In most cases, a minor vape cough will go away on its own after a few days. However, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor if:
- Cough lasts longer than 1-2 weeks
- Cough produces phlegm or mucus
- Coughing up blood
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Wheezing or chest tightness
- Fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss
- Using cough medicine doesn’t help
Chronic coughing symptoms like these could potentially indicate a more serious underlying health condition not related to vaping. It’s better to be safe and have a doctor evaluate you if the cough is severe or persists.
Home Remedies for Vape Cough
While waiting for a vape cough to resolve, you can try some home remedies to find quick relief:
- Honey – A teaspoon of honey can temporarily coat and soothe an irritated throat.
- Gargling salt water – Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle to wash away mucus.
- Cough drops – Try menthol, eucalyptus, or honey-lemon flavored lozenges.
- Stay hydrated – Drink lots of water, juice, tea, or broth to thin out mucus.
- Steam – Inhale steam from a hot shower or pot of boiling water to open airways.
- Humidifier – Use a cool mist humidifier in your room at night.
- Ginger, mint – Sipping ginger tea or mint tea can be soothing.
- OTC cough medicine – Ask a pharmacist to recommend an expectorant or cough suppressant.
Some at-home remedies like honey, cough drops, or tea can temporarily alleviate coughing symptoms by coating and lubricating the throat. Others like humidifiers and steam help loosen mucus secretions that trigger coughing.
Prevention of Vape Cough
Making a few adjustments to your vaping routine and habits can help prevent vape cough in the future:
- Drink plenty of fluids when vaping to stay hydrated.
- Pay attention to VG/PG ratios and use higher VG juices.
- Lower nicotine levels and avoid chain vaping.
- Change coils regularly to maintain clean gear.
- Use smooth airflow settings without turbulence.
- Vape at lower power with a moderate draw speed.
- Keep vapor out of the air when possible.
- Avoid vaping if you have a cold or allergies.
- Take a break from vaping if your throat feels irritated.
Following vape cough prevention tips like these can reduce throat irritation and cough reflexes. However, those with chronic lung disease should consider avoiding vaping altogether.
The Risks of Vape Cough
Frequent and severe coughing caused by vaping can lead to some adverse effects:
- Dehydration – Excessive coughing leads to water and electrolyte loss.
- Hoarse voice – Coughing can strain vocal cords and make your voice raspy.
- Physical exhaustion – Intense bouts of coughing can be tiring and zap your energy.
- Sleep disruption – Coughing fits make it hard to fall and stay asleep.
- Headaches – Coughing may trigger throbbing head pain.
- Lightheadedness – Rapid coughing can reduce blood flow and oxygen to the brain.
- Nausea and vomiting – Severe coughs may stimulate the gag reflex.
- Passed out – Some people may pass out from extremely forceful coughing spells.
- Rib fracture – Chronic heavy coughs can cause rib injury or fractures.
- Hernia – Abdominal hernias can occur from excessive cough strain.
To avoid these types of complications, take steps to manage your vape cough sooner rather than later. Seek medical help if symptoms affect your daily life.
Conclusion
A vape cough is a common irritation experienced by some users when vaping e-cigarettes. It can range from mild throat clearing to heavy chronic coughs. There are several potential causes like PG/VG sensitivity, nicotine, flavorings, power settings, and pre-existing illness. Drink lots of fluids, adjust your vaping technique, and use home remedies to soothe your throat. For persistent coughs lasting over a week or with concerning symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor to rule out unrelated medical conditions. While mostly temporary, vape cough can negatively impact your quality of life, so take measures to prevent and treat it.