Vapers throat refers to throat irritation and dryness that can occur from vaping or using e-cigarettes. It is a common side effect experienced by many vapers, especially when starting out. While not serious, vapers throat can cause discomfort and be annoying to deal with. Understanding what causes vapers throat and how to prevent and treat it can help vapers manage this side effect.
What Causes Vapers Throat?
There are a few potential causes of vapers throat:
- PG/VG Ratio – E-liquid contains propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), which create vapor. Higher PG ratios tend to cause more throat irritation.
- Nicotine Strength – High nicotine levels can irritate the throat, especially when sub-ohm vaping and inhaling large hits.
- Dehydration – Vaping can dehydrate the throat, leading to dryness and irritation.
- Flavorings – Certain flavorings, like citrus, cinnamon, or menthol, may aggravate the throat.
- Vaping Habits – Frequent vaping, deep inhales, and chain vaping can irritate the throat over time.
- PG Allergy – Some people may have a PG sensitivity or allergy that triggers throat irritation.
- New Vaper – When you first start vaping, your throat needs time to adjust to vaping.
- Infection/Illness – A cold, the flu, or other illness can make vapers throat feel worse.
Symptoms of Vapers Throat
Signs of vapers throat include:
- Dry, scratchy, or irritated feeling in the throat
- Itchy throat
- Sore or painful throat when swallowing
- Tickling or tingling sensation in the throat
- Coughing or need to clear the throat frequently
- Hoarse, raspy, or strained voice
- Loss of voice
- Throat tightness or sensation like having a lump in the throat
The severity of vapers throat can range from mild to quite irritating depending on the cause and individual. Some vapers only deal with minor irritation while others may experience painful throat inflammation from vaping. The symptoms may come and go or be persistent.
How to Prevent and Treat Vapers Throat
There are several ways vapers can prevent and treat throat irritation from vaping:
Adjust Vaping Habits
- Avoid excessive vaping and take breaks between vaping sessions.
- Inhale gently rather than taking hard pulls on the vape.
- Drink water before and after vaping to stay hydrated.
- Consider lowering nicotine strength or using nicotine salts.
- Use a vape juice with a higher VG ratio and lower PG.
- Switch flavors to a more soothing option like menthol or mint.
Use Throat-Soothing Remedies
- Gargle with warm saltwater to ease throat irritation.
- Drink warm tea with honey to soothe the throat.
- Suck on lozenges, especially ones with soothing ingredients like honey or licorice root.
- Use over-the-counter throat sprays or vapo-rub to numb and relieve pain.
- Use a humidifier to moisturize dry indoor air.
- Consider taking anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen to reduce swelling.
See Your Doctor if Needed
See a doctor if vapers throat persists for more than a few weeks, causes severe pain, or is accompanied by other worrisome symptoms like difficulty breathing or swallowing. You may need treatment for an infection, allergy, or other underlying cause.
How Long Does Vapers Throat Last?
For most vapers, vapers throat lasts anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks. It may come and go unpredictably. Typically, it is worst when first starting to vape or transitioning to a new device/liquid. The throat adjusts over time. However, some vapers deal with chronic throat irritation that persists unless they stop vaping or remedy the underlying cause. See a doctor if your throat doesn’t improve within 2-4 weeks despite preventive measures.
Is Vapers Throat Dangerous?
Vapers throat is primarily an annoyance rather than a dangerous medical condition. However, persistent throat irritation may be a sign of:
- PG allergy
- Nicotine overdose
- Smoking-related illness
- Infection like strep throat or tonsillitis
- Laryngitis or vocal cord damage from excess vaping
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux exacerbated by vaping
Rarely, vapers throat could signal a more serious underlying health issue. See a doctor if it doesn’t improve with typical home remedies. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to throat discomfort that persists.
When to See a Doctor for Vapers Throat
See a doctor promptly if you experience:
- Severe, lasting pain in the throat
- Difficulty swallowing for more than 2-3 days
- Fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, or other flu-like symptoms
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and throat area
- Blood when coughing up phlegm
- Voice changes like raspiness, loss of voice, or reduced volume/pitch
- Ear pain or jaw pain along with throat pain
- Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
These may indicate strep throat, tonsillitis, laryngitis, vocal cord damage, or other issues needing medical treatment. Difficulty breathing warrants immediate emergency care.
Common Misconceptions About Vapers Throat
There are some common myths and misconceptions about vapers throat:
Myth: It’s an infection and needs antibiotics
Vapers throat is often confused with strep throat or tonsillitis. However, most cases are irritation from vaping rather than an infection needing antibiotics. See a doctor for an exam and throat culture to determine if antibiotics are warranted.
Myth: Vaping is always the cause
While vaping can certainly cause throat irritation, other triggers may be to blame like allergies, dry air, acid reflux, or illness. Consider other reasons for throat discomfort besides vaping.
Myth: Pushing through the pain is fine
Trying to vape through significant throat pain can prolong irritation and potentially cause damage. Take a break and allow your throat to heal.
Myth: It’s not serious
Although not life-threatening, chronic throat irritation can impact voice and swallowing. Seek medical advice rather than ignoring persistent sore throat.
Myth: Drink more water and vape on
Hydration alone doesn’t cure vapers throat in many instances. While important, also address triggers like vaping habits, nicotine levels, PG/VG ratio, and illness.
Conclusion
Vapers throat is annoyance that nearly every vaper encounters at some point. Understanding the common triggers can help prevent and treat throat irritation without having to give up vaping. Pay attention to vaping habits, nicotine dosage, PG/VG ratio, and hydration. Use throat-soothing remedies as needed for temporary relief. See a doctor for any severe, persistent throat pain or discomfort that lasts longer than a few weeks. With some trial and error, most vapers find ways to manage vapers throat and continue enjoying vaping.