Adults only (18+)

How to Get Rid of Dry Cough from Vaping

Vaping is widely used in the UK as a harm reduction alternative for adults who previously smoked, yet like many inhaled products it can cause throat irritation or a dry cough for some users. A dry cough can feel uncomfortable, distracting or frustrating, especially if you have recently switched from smoking or changed your vaping routine. This article explores why a dry cough happens, who is most likely to experience it, and safe, practical ways to ease or prevent the discomfort. It is written for new vapers, smokers who are considering switching and experienced vapers who want to understand their symptoms more clearly.

A dry cough can develop for several reasons. It may be due to the body adjusting after quitting cigarettes, because cigarette smoke suppresses certain reflexes and irritations that return once smoke is removed. It can also be related to the ingredients within e liquid, the strength or type of nicotine you use, the temperature of the vapour, or the condition of your device. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step toward relieving it. Vaping and smoking are very different processes and the throat reacts differently to vapour than it does to smoke. Although vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking, it still introduces substances into the airways and this can trigger a cough for some users.

Why Vaping Can Cause a Dry Cough

A dry cough during vaping is most commonly associated with one of the base ingredients in e liquid. Propylene glycol, often referred to as PG, has drying properties. It attracts moisture, which means it can draw moisture away from the throat and mouth as vapour passes through. Many vapers find that higher PG liquids deliver a stronger throat hit but can also increase the likelihood of coughing, especially during the early days of switching. A dry cough may also arise if you inhale too quickly or too strongly. Vapour behaves differently from smoke. It feels denser and can irritate the upper airways if inhaled too sharply. Learning to take slower, steadier puffs can make a substantial difference in comfort.

Another common cause of coughing is nicotine strength. High nicotine levels produce a stronger throat sensation, which can feel harsh if you are sensitive or not accustomed to it. Nicotine salts tend to be smoother than freebase nicotine and many people transitioning from smoking prefer them for this reason. However even salts can cause coughing if the strength is too high for your comfort level. Device power also plays a part. A powerful device that heats the coil rapidly can produce warm vapour that feels intense on the throat, leading to irritation. A mismatched coil, incorrect wattage or an old coil can also create an unpleasant, scratchy vapour that triggers coughing.

Finally, dehydration plays a larger role than many expect. Vaping can make you feel slightly dehydrated because PG and VG attract moisture and because many people unconsciously replace regular water intake with vaping sessions. Dry mouth and throat dryness often appear alongside a dry cough, especially for those new to vaping.

Adjusting PG and VG Ratios

If your dry cough seems to worsen with certain e liquids, the PG and VG ratio may be the reason. PG carries flavour well and increases throat hit, while VG creates thicker vapour and a smoother inhale. People susceptible to coughing often benefit from using liquids with higher VG content. A high VG liquid tends to feel gentler and more soothing during inhalation. This single adjustment can significantly reduce coughing for many users. If you are using a high PG liquid and find that your throat feels dry, irritated or scratchy, shifting to a VG rich blend may bring relief over time.

However it is important to remember that pod systems and certain coils require specific ratios to function correctly. Thick high VG liquid may not wick properly in low powered pod devices. If your device struggles with high VG e liquid, you may find it delivers a burnt or dry hit which actually increases coughing. The ideal approach is to choose a liquid ratio that works harmoniously with your device. Many people who struggle with coughing find that a balanced blend works best, offering flavour without excessive dryness.

Nicotine Strength and Type

If you are coughing while using high strength nicotine, the strength may be too intense for your throat. Reducing nicotine strength can help. Some people discover that nicotine salts are easier to tolerate because the pH level is lower and the throat hit is softer. Others prefer freebase nicotine but choose a lower strength to reduce coughing. There is no universal preference because every throat reacts differently. The key is to select a nicotine level that satisfies cravings without overwhelming the airways.

A dry cough can also appear when trying to quit smoking while still adjusting to nicotine delivery from vapour. Vapour delivers nicotine differently to smoke. You may have to adjust your puff style, nicotine level and frequency to find a comfortable routine. This settling period may include mild coughing, especially in the early stages, but it usually improves once you find the right combination.

Puff Technique and Inhalation Style

Coughing can occur simply because you are inhaling incorrectly for the type of device you are using. Many beginners inhale vapour in the same way they inhaled cigarette smoke, with rapid and forceful puffs. Vapour is denser than smoke and can irritate the upper throat if inhaled too aggressively. Taking slower and gentler puffs allows vapour to enter the mouth comfortably before it moves into the lungs. Mouth to lung inhalation, commonly used by newer vapers and ex smokers, mimics cigarette smoking in a controlled and gentle way and reduces coughing for many.

Direct lung inhalation, which is common with large sub ohm devices, can feel intense if you are not prepared for the airflow and vapour density. If your device is designed for direct lung hits but you are a mouth to lung vaper, you may cough simply from using a device that creates more vapour than your throat is comfortable with. Matching your inhalation technique to your device style is an important part of reducing coughing.

Hydration and Throat Care

Because vaping can cause dryness, increasing your water intake is one of the most effective ways to reduce coughing. Drinking water throughout the day helps keep the throat moist and reduces irritation caused by vapour. Many vapers find that sipping water after a vaping session helps soothe the mouth and throat and prevents lingering dryness.

Staying hydrated also helps the body adjust as it moves away from smoke. When people stop smoking, the cilia inside the lungs begin to recover. These tiny hair like structures help clear mucus and debris from the airways. As they revive, the body may naturally produce more mucus, leading to coughing. Hydration supports these processes and makes the transition more comfortable.

Some vapers also find relief by taking breaks between sessions instead of continuous vaping. Allowing time between inhales prevents the throat from becoming overwhelmed and gives it an opportunity to re moisturise naturally.

Device Maintenance

A poorly maintained vape device is one of the most overlooked causes of coughing. Old coils produce unpleasant vapour that can irritate the throat. A burnt coil creates harsh, dry and chemically tasting vapour that naturally provokes coughing. Replacing the coil regularly is important for both comfort and safety. Coils wear out at different rates depending on usage, liquid type and device power. Thick sweetened liquids often shorten coil life, while moderate use with cleaner liquids tends to extend it.

Keeping your tank or pod clean also helps. Residue builds up over time and can affect flavour and vapour quality. Rinsing refillable tanks and ensuring that coils are installed correctly can significantly improve your experience. Ensuring your wattage settings match your coil requirements is equally important. If the device is set too high, the liquid will burn. If set too low, vapour may feel underpowered and unsatisfying, causing users to inhale harder and inadvertently irritate their throat.

Body Adjustments After Quitting Smoking

Many new vapers experience coughing simply because their body is recovering from smoking. Cigarette smoke suppresses natural reflexes and irritations. Once smoke exposure stops, the lungs and throat begin to repair themselves. This can involve increased coughing for several weeks as your airways clear out built up substances from smoking. This is a normal and temporary process. Understanding this can help reduce anxiety about coughing during the early stages.

It is also possible that your body is adjusting to vapour. While vapour lacks the toxins and tar found in smoke, it still introduces substances that your throat may not be accustomed to. Over time, most users find that their cough improves as their body adapts and recovers from cigarette smoke exposure.

Allergies and Sensitivities

A small number of people are sensitive to specific ingredients within e liquid. For example, PG sensitivity can cause coughing, throat tightness or general irritation. Switching to a liquid with higher VG or a different flavour profile may reduce these symptoms. Some flavourings may also be more irritating than others. Cool menthol or icy flavours can feel harsher on the throat, whereas dessert or fruit flavours tend to be smoother.

If coughing persists even after adjusting all these factors, you may wish to experiment with simpler flavour profiles or avoid particularly strong or intense flavouring agents. Many people find improved comfort by choosing liquids that are moderate in sweetness and gentle on the throat.

Nicotine Withdrawal and Stress

While less common, some coughing may be linked to nicotine withdrawal or stress during the quitting process. When people reduce their nicotine intake or stop smoking entirely, the airways become more reactive and the throat may feel more sensitive. This sensitivity can cause coughing regardless of the vapour or device used. As the body stabilises, this usually improves.

Stress can also change breathing patterns. Rapid or shallow breathing can make vapour feel more irritating. Slowing down, relaxing the shoulders and breathing comfortably can help make vaping feel easier on the throat.

When to Consider Medical Guidance

A mild dry cough from vaping is common, especially for beginners. However if your cough becomes persistent, painful or severe, you should seek medical advice. This is particularly important if your cough does not improve after adjusting e liquid, nicotine strength, hydration, inhalation technique or device maintenance. A healthcare professional can assess whether your symptoms are related to vaping or another unrelated condition. They can also support your smoking cessation journey and offer advice tailored to your situation.

Final Thoughts

A dry cough from vaping can be uncomfortable, but in most cases it can be eased by making simple adjustments. The cause is often linked to throat dryness, nicotine strength, PG content, inhalation style or general hydration levels. By understanding how vapour interacts with the body and how different devices and liquids function, you can make informed choices that reduce irritation and improve your overall experience.

Vaping remains significantly less harmful than smoking and serves as a valuable tool for many adults aiming to reduce or stop smoking. If you experience a dry cough during the transition, it is usually temporary and manageable with the strategies discussed in this article. Choosing the right nicotine strength, staying hydrated, maintaining your device and taking gentle puffs can all help create a smoother, more comfortable vaping experience.