Sore Throats from Electronic Cigarettes: What To Do?

Sore Throats from Electronic Cigarettes

While electronic cigarettes are reputed to be less harmful than traditional cigarettes, they are not without side effects, especially when misused or used with the wrong settings.

According to the 2021 study Electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation by the Cochrane Organisation, the most common undesirable side effects in people using vaping products are throat irritation, coughing, headaches, and sometimes nausea.

So, how can you identify the cause of your electronic cigarette-related sore throat, and what steps can you take to get rid of it? X-Bar gives you the answers. 

 

Choosing the Right Nicotine Dosage

If you get a sore throat when you use your puff or electronic cigarette, it may be because you’re using an unsuitable nicotine level. But what actually causes throat irritation, and why do some people find it harder than others to adapt to e-cigarette vapour?

Did you know that, unlike traditional cigarettes, e-liquids don’t contain cough suppressants, so they can cause coughing fits in new vapers?

Aside from getting used to vaping, using an appropriate dose of nicotine in your electronic cigarette is a major factor in a pleasant vaping experience.

The dosage level depends on your smoking habits:

  • A light smoker who consumes between 5 and 10 cigarettes a day may opt for an e-liquid with a nicotine level between 0 and 6 mg/ml.
  • A moderate smoker who consumes between 10 and 20 cigarettes per day will choose a nicotine level between 6 and 9 mg/ml
  • A heavy smoker who smokes more than a pack of cigarettes a day will want to choose an e-liquid with a nicotine level between 12 and 15 mg/ml.

 

Check the E-liquid Composition

While each e-liquid has its own characteristics in terms of flavour and nicotine level, every e-liquid is generally made from the following ingredients:

  • Vegetable glycerine (VG) and/or propylene glycol (PG) which form the basis of the e-liquid (over 80% of it) 
  • Nicotine
  • Flavourings
  • Alcohol
  • Water

The proportion of these different ingredients significantly affects the sensations and experiences you get from the e-liquid. For example, an e-liquid containing a higher dose of propylene glycol than vegetable glycerine will offer a more pronounced taste in your mouth. On the other hand, a higher VG content will guarantee more generous vapour, which is particularly sought after by vapers into “cloud chasing” or “vape tricks.” 

Make sure there’s a perfect balance between the different ingredients in your e-cigarette’s e-liquid, especially when you’re learning to vape, to reduce discomfort, irritation, and coughing.

 

Correctly Adjusting Your Electronic Cigarette

Adjusting the power setting of a conventional electronic cigarette is generally quite easy. You simply need to press the right button and adapt your e-cigarette’s voltage to your consumption. 

Good to know: some electronic cigarettes have an “auto” mode that automatically adapts the power to the heating element in the clearomiser. So there’s no need for manual adjustment, and perfect balance is guaranteed.

What Are the Risks of Using Incorrect Settings?

If the wattage is too low, your heating element won’t be very effective, the vaping will be low-quality, and the risk of e-liquid leaks will increase. On the other hand, if the wattage is too high, the heating element will wear out prematurely from heating up too quickly. The vapour will be too dense, causing a choking sensation in your mouth.

 

Adopting an Appropriate Inhalation Technique and Staying Hydrated

Inhalation techniques vary from one vaper to another. Some prefer direct inhalation, while others are more fond of indirect inhalation. But what is the difference between these two vaping techniques?

  • Indirect inhalation involves inhaling vapour from an electronic cigarette, taking it into your mouth, and then breathing it into your lungs. This method is similar to the classic method of smoking traditional cigarettes.
  • Indirect inhalation consists of breathing the vapour directly into your lungs without keeping it in your mouth. The same technique is used to smoke shisha and offers a thicker, denser vapour.

If you’re starting out or have a particularly sensitive throat or lungs, opt for indirect inhalation.

Similarly, to avoid dry mouth, limit irritation, and reduce the risk of headaches and nausea, make sure to drink plenty of water and regularly quench your thirst.

 

FAQ

Is It Normal to Feel a Tingling Sensation When Vaping?

Experiencing a sore throat or a tingling sensation when vaping is a fairly common problem, but it’s no reason to be alarmed. In fact, this soreness is a common side-effect of consuming electronic cigarettes, but it’s rarely permanent or long-lasting.

By adjusting your nicotine dosage, checking your e-liquid ingredients, and fixing the settings on your electronic cigarette, your sore throat will become a distant memory!

What Should I Do If My Sore Throat Persists After Changing the Settings?

If you don’t notice any improvement after following these tips and good practices, start by cleaning your device. Taking care of your vape with regular maintenance is required for a good vaping experience.

If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to contact your vendor with your questions to find a quick and effective solution.

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