Adults only (18+)

Can Vaping Make You Sick

Vaping has become one of the most popular alternatives to smoking in the UK, offering adults a way to enjoy nicotine without inhaling tar, carbon monoxide, or the many harmful chemicals produced by burning tobacco. It is recognised by Public Health England and the NHS as a far less harmful option for smokers. However, some people who start vaping report feeling unwell, experiencing nausea, dizziness, or coughing, particularly in the early stages of switching from cigarettes. This raises the question of whether vaping itself can make you sick, or whether these effects are simply the body adjusting to a new way of taking in nicotine.

Understanding How Vaping Works

E-cigarettes work by heating a liquid, called e-liquid or vape juice, into a vapour that is inhaled. UK-regulated e-liquids contain four main ingredients: propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), flavourings, and nicotine. These substances are approved for inhalation and food use, but that does not mean everyone reacts to them in the same way. Just as people can have sensitivities to certain foods or drinks, the body can take time to adapt to vapour inhalation, especially for those who have recently stopped smoking.

Can Vaping Cause Nausea or Dizziness?

The most common reason someone might feel sick after vaping is consuming too much nicotine. Nicotine is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system, and when taken in high doses, it can cause short-term symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, and an increased heart rate. This is sometimes called a nicotine overdose or “nic sick.” It is not dangerous in most cases and usually passes quickly once vaping stops and nicotine levels drop.

Overuse is common among new vapers because vaping can deliver nicotine more efficiently and smoothly than smoking, especially with nicotine salt e-liquids. Many people find themselves taking frequent puffs throughout the day without realising how much nicotine they are absorbing. Using a lower nicotine strength or taking shorter vaping sessions can prevent these symptoms from recurring.

How Dehydration Plays a Role

E-liquids contain propylene glycol, a compound that attracts water. This means vaping can slightly dehydrate the mouth and throat, leading to a dry or sore feeling and sometimes contributing to mild nausea or light-headedness. When the body becomes dehydrated, blood flow and oxygen levels can fluctuate, which may also make people feel faint or unwell. Drinking water regularly while vaping helps keep the body hydrated and reduces these effects.

Can Vaping Cause a Cough or Sore Throat?

It is not unusual for new vapers to experience coughing or throat irritation during the first few days of switching. This is mainly due to the throat adjusting from the harsh smoke of cigarettes to the cleaner vapour of e-liquid. Propylene glycol can feel slightly sharp on the throat at first, and ex-smokers are also clearing mucus and toxins from their lungs during this time, which can trigger coughing.

This adjustment phase typically lasts a week or two. Choosing a smoother e-liquid with a higher VG content or using nicotine salts can reduce throat irritation. Staying hydrated also helps the tissues recover and adapt more comfortably to vapour.

Allergic or Sensitivity Reactions

While rare, some people have mild sensitivities to propylene glycol or specific flavourings used in e-liquids. Reactions may include sore throat, dry cough, or stomach discomfort rather than serious illness. In such cases, switching to an e-liquid with a higher VG ratio or avoiding strong flavours such as cinnamon or menthol may resolve the issue.

E-liquids sold in the UK must comply with the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR), meaning all ingredients are tested, approved, and listed clearly on the label. This helps consumers identify and avoid any components that cause irritation.

Nicotine Sensitivity and Overuse

People who have not used nicotine before or who have been smoke-free for a while may find themselves sensitive to its effects. Nicotine activates the release of adrenaline, increasing heart rate and blood pressure temporarily. In those unaccustomed to it, this can cause sensations such as restlessness, nausea, or mild anxiety. These are not signs of serious illness but indicators that the nicotine strength may be too high. Gradually reducing nicotine strength or taking breaks between sessions helps the body adapt comfortably.

The Difference Between Nicotine Sickness and Infection

It is important to distinguish between feeling sick from vaping and having an unrelated illness. Nicotine sickness develops quickly during or shortly after vaping, while infections such as colds or flu cause symptoms that develop gradually and persist for days. Some people may mistake a sore throat from vaping dryness for tonsillitis or infection, but the absence of fever and general fatigue helps differentiate the two.

Vaping on an Empty Stomach

Vaping without eating can increase the chances of feeling unwell. Nicotine absorption is stronger on an empty stomach, leading to light-headedness, stomach cramps, or nausea. Eating before vaping, especially in the morning, helps stabilise blood sugar levels and prevents these symptoms.

The Role of Flavourings and Sweeteners

Certain flavourings can cause sensitivity in the throat or stomach, particularly strong menthol or very sweet blends. Although these flavourings are safe for use, they can irritate some users, especially when combined with high nicotine levels. Switching to milder flavours such as fruit or tobacco can help reduce discomfort.

Quality of Products and Regulations

In the UK, vaping products are tightly controlled by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Legal e-liquids are limited to 20mg/ml of nicotine and must meet safety and labelling standards. Buying from reputable UK retailers ensures products are genuine and free from contaminants. Using unregulated or counterfeit products significantly increases the risk of feeling unwell because their ingredients may not meet these standards.

Vaping Versus Smoking and Health Effects

It is worth remembering that smoking causes severe and lasting health damage, while vaping eliminates almost all of the toxins responsible for respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Although vaping can cause temporary side effects such as nausea or throat irritation, these are minor compared to the harmful effects of smoking. For most people, switching to vaping results in significant health improvements, including better breathing, increased energy, and a reduced risk of illness over time.

How to Avoid Feeling Sick When Vaping

Feeling unwell after vaping is usually preventable. The key is moderation, hydration, and using appropriate nicotine levels. Most users feel better once they identify the right nicotine strength for their needs and adjust their vaping habits accordingly. Taking regular breaks, avoiding vaping on an empty stomach, and choosing high-quality e-liquids all help ensure a smoother experience.

If you continue to feel sick even after adjusting your nicotine level and staying hydrated, it might be worth speaking to a healthcare professional to rule out other causes. Persistent symptoms could be linked to an unrelated condition or individual sensitivity to specific ingredients.

Vaping and Stomach Discomfort

Some users report mild stomach discomfort or indigestion after vaping. This is often caused by swallowing small amounts of vapour or saliva containing nicotine, which can irritate the stomach lining. Taking slower draws, inhaling properly, and avoiding swallowing vapour can help. These sensations usually fade as your technique improves.

Does Vaping Weaken the Immune System?

Smoking has a well-known effect on the immune system, weakening the body’s ability to fight infections. Vaping does not contain the same toxic chemicals that damage immune cells, although high nicotine intake can still mildly affect immune function by increasing stress hormones. Keeping nicotine consumption moderate and maintaining hydration supports the body’s natural defences.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you experience severe or prolonged symptoms such as vomiting, chest pain, or breathing difficulty, you should stop vaping immediately and seek medical attention. These reactions are rare but should always be checked by a healthcare professional to rule out allergies, infection, or misuse of unregulated products. For most people, any short-term sickness associated with vaping is temporary and easily resolved through simple adjustments.

Final Thoughts

Vaping can make you feel temporarily unwell if you use too much nicotine, vape too frequently, or become dehydrated, but it does not generally cause sickness in the same way smoking or infection does. The most common symptoms, such as nausea, dizziness, or throat irritation, are short-lived and preventable through moderation, proper hydration, and selecting suitable nicotine strengths. Compared to smoking, vaping remains a far safer way to use nicotine, and most people who switch experience better health overall once their body adjusts to the change.