Why do I cough when I vape?

Coughing while smoking is not unusual. The same happens with the e-cigarette: coughing when vaping occurs in some people. Here is why, and what can be done about it.

Cold vapour can cause coughing

When you vape, you are not drawing in smoke but cold vapour. For a smoker or former smoker of cigarettes, that difference can bring on a slight cough in the early days, all the more so as the vapour from the e-cigarette is denser. This reactive cough usually fades very quickly.

The cough associated with vaping is described as a reactive one, produced by the body itself. Stopping cigarettes also leads the body to adopt new habits. It is not unusual for people giving up smoking to cough during the 2 to 3 weeks that follow. This is a reflex by which the body clears out the harmful residues still present in the system, such as tar and carbon monoxide.

The nicotine content of the e-liquid

When switching to vaping, some former smokers also tend to choose e-liquids with a high nicotine content so as not to feel any craving. That, too, can lead to bouts of coughing. Choosing a lower concentration is therefore advisable in order to avoid the familiar “hit”.

Any good e-cigarette retailer will tell you that a low-power device is preferable if you want an e-liquid that is strong in nicotine and balanced in terms of VG and PG. Conversely, if you choose a more powerful e-cigarette, your e-liquids should be lower in nicotine. That does not stop you opting for a product with a higher VG content if you want more vapour.

If you tolerate propylene glycol (PG) poorly in your e-liquid, be aware that a plant-based version exists: vegetol.

The settings on your e-cigarette

Have you already bought your e-cigarette and your e-liquids? If you are troubled by an unpleasant cough, you can adjust your device. To do so, set the wattage, that is the vaping power, and the airflow ring so as to limit the irritating cough.