Are you wanting to switch from smoking to vaping, but you’ve heard it makes you cough? Or maybe you have already switched, and the coughing has started?
Don’t worry. When you switch from smoking to vaping, this is completely normal and only temporary. It’s just a sign that your body is adjusting to the change, and don’t forget, it’s ultimately a change for the better. You only need to manage some possible complications, such as:
oThroat irritation
oThe wrong vape juice
oHow you inhale
oHigh nicotine levels
Usually, a few tweaks will be enough to fix the issue. For example, drinking more water, trying different e-liquids, or adjusting how you inhale can fix the job. If it doesn’t, speak to a healthcare professional. But don’t just give up vaping—it’s proven to be healthier than smoking!
Congratulations – you’ve made the leap from cigarettes to vaping. No more ashtray breath, goodbye to that lingering smoke smell, and (hopefully) the constant nagging from friends and family. But hang on – no sooner are you celebrating when suddenly, you develop a cough.
First of all, don’t panic. It’s actually super common to cough when transitioning from smoking to vaping, especially during those first few days. And although you might understandably ask yourself, ‘Wasn’t vaping supposed to be smoother than smoking?’, well, it still can be.
In this blog, we’ll examine why you cough when you first start vaping, show how to fix common issues, and reveal when you should consider seeking further advice. But it’s important to note that if you have any concerns or a new persistent cough, always seek medical advice.
Why do you cough when you first start vaping?
There are lots of reasons why you can develop a cough when you first start smoking. And some of them may surprise you…
Your body is starting to heal
Seriously. When you quit smoking, your body starts to clean itself and gets rid of all that tar and gunk that’s been building up in your lungs, stopping the natural cleaning mechanisms you have. So, as strange as that may seem, a cough might be your body’s way of thanking you.
Your throat is irritated
Vape vapour is smoother than cigarette smoke. But it can feel unusual for your body at first, because you’re used to the hot, harsh sensation of cigarette smoke. It may just be that your body needs time to adjust, although it can also depend on the type of e-liquid you use.
Your PG sensitivity
Vape juice is made up of two base ingredients – propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG). Vape juice with a high PG content can create a sharp hit to your throat, and that can cause you to cough. The good news here is you can look for a different e-liquid instead – either one with a higher VG ratio or a 50/50 blend.
Your nicotine strength
If you’re moving from combustible tobacco to vaping, you might assume you need to switch to the strongest nicotine vape juice you can get your hands on. However, this isn’t necessarily the case. Freebase nicotine, which is often found in stronger juices, can be extremely harsh on the throat for new vapers – especially if it’s above 12mg. You may be better off trying nicotine salts, which are smoother on the throat, even at higher strengths. Salt nicotine also absorbs into the bloodstream quicker than freebase nicotine, just like nicotine from a cigarette.
Your inhalation technique
Vaping isn’t the same as smoking. The way you inhale as you vape matters a lot. There are two main methods – mouth-to-lung (MTL) or direct-to-lung (DTL).
MTL is the most similar to smoking a cigarette, as you draw the vapour into your mouth, then your lungs and then exhale. Whereas DTL is more like taking a deep breath, straight into your lungs. So, MTL is usually the best choice for smokers, because DTL hits hard and fast and is better suited to experienced vapers who use high-powered kits. So, let’s say you accidentally pick up a DTL device when you’re more used to MTL-style smoking. That’s probably going to bring on a cough.
You may also be using the wrong coil resistance. Your vape coil plays an important role in heating your e-liquid, and if you’re using a low resistance coil (also known as sub-ohm), more vapour will be produced. These are meant for DTL, so if you’re using one like a cigarette, that’s also going to make you splutter.
How to Fix Common Issues
So, we’ve discussed the ‘why’. Now, let’s tackle the ‘how’. Here are simple ways to tune your setup and technique for a smoother experience.
Dial down the nicotine
If you were a heavy smoker, try 10-20mg nic salts for a more gentle experience. Go lower, 5mg, for an even lighter experience. Nic salts feel smoother even at higher concentrations, meaning less throat irritation and less coughing.
Also, you’ll still get your nic fix, which will mean you’re more likely to stick with it and not fall back into your old smoking habit.
Adjust your VG/PG ratio
Are you sensitive to the harsh throat hit? Try different ratios for size. Remember that high VG = more vapour and less punch, while high PG means more flavour and more hit (so potentially more coughing).
o70VG/30PG – You’ll find the vapour smoother, which will mean less potential throat irritation, but this also requires DTL vaping with more powerful kits.
o50/50 – This ratio is, as the name suggests, the most balanced ratio, which makes it ideal for most starter kits.
Experiment until you find your sweet spot. Your body will thank you.
Tweak your technique
Remember, vaping isn’t a race. Try some slow and steady inhales instead of quick puffs. Also, give your vape time to heat the liquid properly, and let the vapour do the work.
Does your device have adjustable airflow? If so, experiment with the settings until you find something just right. Tighter airflow might work better for the cigarette-like draw of MTL, while a more open airflow can be easier for DTL vaping.
Pick the right vape kit
The vape kit you choose matters – a lot. If your device is too powerful, the vapour can feel overwhelming.
Starting with a prefilled pod kit can help eliminate a lot of potential confusion. Then you have no need to mess with coils, e-liquids, or airflow settings. Just plug, puff, and go. Once you get the hang of it, you should move on to a refillable kit. These give you more control and customisation options so you can really fine-tune your experience.
Stay hydrated
One thing many new vapers don’t realise is that vaping can dehydrate you. So that dry, scratchy throat could be a sign your body needs water – not another puff.
Keep a glass or bottle of water handy, especially when vaping more. It helps reduce coughing and keeps those flavours tasting fresh.
When to seek further advice
If you’ve tried all the above and you’re still hacking away, it might be time to speak to a professional. Talk to your GP or pharmacist if:
oYour cough continues for more than a few weeks
oYou notice wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest pain
oYou suspect an allergy or intolerance to a specific ingredient
It could just be something unrelated to vaping – or it might be that you need a different approach altogether. There’s no harm in checking!
Conclusion
We get it – switching to vaping can come with a few unexpected bumps, and an occasional coughing fit can feel like a real red flag.
However, more often than not, it’s totally normal, super fixable, and honestly, part of the process. Think of this as a transition phase – it’s like your body (and your taste buds) are settling into a new routine.
With a bit of experimentation, some hydration, and good vape etiquette, that annoying cough will most likely go away. Before you know it, you’ll enjoy your go-to flavour, relaxing with your kit of choice, and giving yourself a well-earned pat on the back for kicking cigarettes to the curb.
We're here if you ever need help decoding your draw or choosing the perfect pod. Whether you're a vape rookie or eyeing your next pro-level kit, our team’s happy to help you find a setup that makes you wonder why you ever lit up a cigarette in the first place.