Why Does Vaping Make Me Cough?

Why Does Vaping Make Me Cough?

For many people, vaping is seen as a smoother, more manageable alternative to smoking. But if you’ve ever taken a drag from your vape and immediately started coughing, you’re not alone. Coughing after vaping is surprisingly common—especially for beginners—but it can also affect more experienced users depending on the device, the e-liquid, and how it’s being used. Understanding what’s causing it is the first step toward fixing it.

Throat Irritation and Vapour Texture

One of the most common reasons vaping causes coughing is simple throat irritation. Unlike cigarette smoke, which is warm and dry, vape aerosol tends to be thicker and cooler. That change in texture can trigger the throat to react, especially if it’s not something your body is used to. Even seasoned smokers sometimes find the denser sensation of vapour more irritating at first, leading to a dry cough or scratchy feeling.

Propylene glycol, one of the main ingredients in most e-liquids, is known for delivering a throat hit. While this sensation is often desirable to those trying to replicate the feel of smoking, it can be quite sharp and cause coughing if the user isn’t accustomed to it. Some people are more sensitive to PG than others, and higher concentrations can lead to more frequent or intense coughing fits.

Nicotine Strength and Delivery

Nicotine is a stimulant that naturally causes throat contraction, and higher concentrations can make this effect more intense. If you’re using a vape with a strong nicotine level—especially nicotine salts—this could be what’s triggering your cough. Salt-based nicotine is smoother to inhale, but it's absorbed more quickly, and that can lead to an unexpected harshness if the concentration is too high for your tolerance.

When using a high-strength liquid, it only takes a few puffs to feel the full effect. If you’re coughing regularly, switching to a lower nicotine level or reducing the frequency of your inhales can help reduce irritation.

Inhalation Technique

Vaping requires a slightly different inhalation method compared to smoking. Many new vapers instinctively use the same short, sharp drags they would with a cigarette, but this can flood the throat with vapour and lead to coughing. With vaping, a slower and more controlled draw tends to work better—especially with modern devices that produce a large amount of vapour.

Mouth-to-lung vaping is often more forgiving than direct-to-lung vaping, particularly for those prone to coughing. If you’re using a sub ohm device and inhaling directly into your lungs, the sheer volume of vapour might be too much at once, triggering a strong coughing reaction.

E-Liquid Flavours and Additives

Certain e-liquid flavours—particularly menthol, citrus, or spice blends—can be harsher on the throat and airways. These flavours often contain compounds that cause a cooling or tingling sensation, which can irritate sensitive users and trigger coughing. Artificial sweeteners and flavour enhancers can also be a factor if you're sensitive to additives.

Trying a more neutral or smoother flavour can sometimes eliminate the problem. E-liquids that are high in vegetable glycerine are also known for producing smoother vapour, which may help reduce the urge to cough.

Underlying Health or Environmental Factors

If you're already dealing with a sore throat, allergies, or even mild dehydration, vaping can amplify that irritation. Dry air, dust, or poor hydration can make your throat more sensitive to anything you inhale. Drinking more water, especially if you vape frequently, can make a noticeable difference.

In rare cases, persistent coughing could signal a reaction to a particular ingredient in your e-liquid or an underlying respiratory condition. If coughing doesn’t improve after adjusting your vaping habits or switching products, it’s worth consulting a healthcare professional.

Final Word

Vaping can make you cough for a variety of reasons—from throat irritation and high nicotine strength to improper inhaling or sensitive flavourings. The good news is that most of these issues are easily solved. Slowing down your draw, reducing nicotine levels, choosing smoother liquids and staying hydrated can all help. If you’re still coughing despite making changes, your body may be telling you it needs a break—or a different approach entirely. Either way, listening to that signal is the best move.