The study found that 5.8% of young males experienced throat irritation, and 4.1% had mouth irritation from vaping. [Sorce: Prevalence and correlates of negative side effects from vaping nicotine| ScienceDirect]
But how do we ease that sore throat pain? We’d suggest you try:
- Keep yourself hydrated
- Use throat-soothing lozenges
- Lower nicotine levels in vape juice
- Take breaks between each vaping session
These easy methods will provide quick relief. If the pain becomes too much to handle, contact your doctor immediately.
Want to know more? Keep reading to know why vaping is troubling you with a sore throat.
Understanding the Connection Between Vaping and Sore Throats
Vaping is always in the limelight to be a safer alternative option for cigarettes. That’s somewhat true. But cases are coming out that vaping causes discomfort in the throat.
Why Vaping Can Cause a Sore Throat?
When you are taking the vapor in, the mucous membranes in your throat get chafed. Several other reasons contribute to sore throats:
1. Role of Propylene Glycol (PG): When you read the e-liquid label, you will see PG in the first sentence. This is what makes the cloudy vapor you see. However, the issue is the hygroscopic properties that make the throat dry. It soaked all the moisture from your tissues.
With every puff, PG dehydrates your throat. It ends by causing dryness and irritation. As time goes on, the dryness turns into an unbearable sore throat.
2. Sensitivity to Nicotine Levels: Nicotine is meant to be irritating for some. You can't defend it by anything. The higher the concentration gets, the more it irritates. Even moderate amounts of nicotine aren’t doing any good. Still, it gives a burning sensation to those who are sensitive to it.
Therefore, if you continue consuming it, nicotine will give you a sore throat for sure.
3. Flavored E-Liquids and Throat Irritation: You will see several unknown additives in your favorite e-liquids. They are mainly harsh chemicals to enhance the flavors. But such chemicals can have a negative reaction on your throat.
Even the artificial sweeteners can trigger inflammation in the throat. Plus, some flavors are just more acidic or harsh than others.
Common Symptoms of a Sore Throat From Vaping
Unfortunately, throat irritation isn’t the only problem for vapers. Yes, a sore throat can cause a few more symptoms.
- Dryness: Feeling dry all over the throat is the first sign of a sore throat.
- Scratchiness: If your throat feels rough and uncomfortable swallowing anything similar to having inhaled smoke.
- Pain: Sometimes, your throat may become painful, making swallowing or speaking difficult.
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Common Causes of Sore Throat in Vapers
How about knowing the actual reason behind the sore throat that vapers suffer from in more detail?
Dehydration and Dry Mouth
One of the most common causes of sore throat in vapers is dehydration. The reason your hydration level is dropping is because of PG. It’s what’s used in e-liquids to make the vapor.
- How Vaping Impacts Hydration Levels: There is almost no e-liquid available that does not contain Propylene Glycol (PG). This component has the tendency to soak moisture from the air and the body’s tissues, which increases dehydration. It will dry out your mouth and irritate your throat. With frequent use, the sore throat symptoms will grow bigger and leave you with continuous discomfort.
High Nicotine Content
Nicotine itself is a self-claimed irritant. It is another common reason why your throat is acting up painfully.
- Why Nicotine Can Irritate the Throat: Nicotine is already famous for its drying effects on the throat. So, when you inhale it, it can trigger a burning sensation in your mouth. The risk of throat discomfort increases if you take higher nicotine levels. The soreness becomes more noticeable in people who are already sensitive to nicotine. The more you vape, the more sore you'll get.
Allergic Reactions to E-Liquid Ingredients
It turns out that vapers have noticed allergic reactions to specific components in e-liquids.
- Identifying Symptoms of PG or Flavor Allergies: PG is in most e-liquids for good vapor, but it can trigger allergies in some vapers. It can cause throat irritation, dry mouth, coughing, or skin rash. Even a few flavoring agents also cause throat swelling, soreness, or even difficulty breathing. If you are going through these issues, switch to different e-liquids as soon as possible.
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Overuse of Vape Devices
Vaping too much can damage your throat, especially if you do it frequently or for a long time.
- Frequency of Vaping and Its Toll on the Throat: Vaping too much can lead to some annoying irritation over time. When you’re constantly exposed to heat, chemicals, and vapor, your throat can end up feeling dry and inflamed.
If you keep vaping for long sessions, it can irritate the soft tissues in your throat. As a result, you might feel discomfort and soreness and even end up with something like a “vaper’s cough” after a while.
Quick Relief Remedies for Sore Throat Caused by Vaping
If you are already a victim of a sore throat from vaping, we have remedies that you can try to find quick relief. These tips will soothe your sore irritation. Here is a list of things you can do:
1. Stay Hydrated
This is the easiest and best way to avoid sore throats. It’ll help you stay hydrated and keep those annoying sore throats away.
- Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day
- Drink before and after vaping
- Sipping on warm beverages like herbal tea or clear broths
- Using humidifiers in dry environments
3. Use Throat Lozenges or Warm Saltwater Gargles
Another way to minimize irritation is to use throat lozenges or gargle with warm saltwater. These methods will give you immediate relief from throat soreness caused by vaping.
- Lozenges have soothing ingredients like menthol, honey, or eucalyptus
- Lozenges reduce inflammation and kill bacteria
- Sucking on lozenges keep your throat lubricated
- Warmwater gargles reduce swelling and relieve irritation
- Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water to gargle
4. Adjust Nicotine Levels in Your E-Liquid
If you see that the sore throat keeps coming back because of the nicotine intake, adjust your e-liquid to a lower nicotine level. It will lessen the discomfort.
- Start by gradually reducing the amount of nicotine strength
- Switch to lower nicotine or nicotine-free options
- Lower nicotine will still give you the same enjoyment
- Pay attention to your body’s response to different nicotine levels
- Find the right balance that minimizes throat discomfort
5. Take Breaks From Vaping
It’d be good if you could take breaks from all that vaping. Giving your throat a rest is a smart way to prevent sore throats.
- Try to limit our vaping session.
- Avoid prolonged or frequent use.
- Reducing the overall time you spend on vaping
- Give your throat time to recover from repeated exposure to vapor
- Throat heal more quickly when you aren’t actively vaping
Preventive Measures to Avoid Sore Throat
Vape is seen as a safer option, but it isn’t entirely you depend upon. You will still get some health issues if you keep using it. Already, many vapers are suffering from sore throats.
What you can do is take some steps to lower your chances of getting one.
Choose High-Quality E-Liquids
- E-liquid composition: E-liquids consist of three elements: Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerin (VG), flavorings, and nicotine (optional). Your job is to find the right balance of these three elements that will not cause you discomfort.
- Propylene Glycol (PG): Yes, this is the reason for the big vapor when you blow out. However, a higher concentration of PG may irritate your throat and dry out your mouth within a few drags.
- Vegetable Glycerin (VG): This one is on the thicker side than PG. However, it acts smoothly and won't irritate your throat.
- Consider a higher VG ratio: The best solution is to keep a higher VG content (e.g., 70/30 VG/PG or 80/20 VG/PG) ratio. You will see significant differences afterward as it will reduce the hash throat hits.
- Flavor intensity: Strong flavorings can be really harsh on the throat. Try milder ones or ones that go smooth on the throat.
- Brand reputation: Brand reputation is crucial when you want your vape to be safe to use. No brand will risk its reputation by risking its consumers' lives. Buying from a trusted name will give you peace of mind about the ingredients.
Maintaining Your Vape Device
- Regular cleaning: Residue buildup alters the flavor of vape juice, making the vapor harsh and damaging the device much faster.
- Cleaning frequency: Depending on how frequently you use your vape, you can clean it every few days or weekly.
- Cleaning methods: Read the manual on how to clean the vape and its parts so that you don’t ruin any internal mechanisms.
Moderation Is Key
- Moderation: Try to avoid excessive vaping sessions; you shouldn’t be puffing away for too long in one go. Give your throat breaks between sessions.
- Proper technique: Start inhaling the vapor slowly and gently. Try not to take deep or long inhalation.
- Nicotine strength: If nicotine is the reason behind your allergic reaction, go for lower strength. After a couple of days, you slowly increase the amount.
Regular Hydration and Healthy Habits
- Hydration: Satrt drinking an adequate amount of water. One, it helps you stay hydrated, and two, it keeps your throat nice and moist.
- Avoid irritants: Stay away from smoke, dust, and other irritants. They will only worsen the irritation.
- Healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet, quality sleep, and exercise are really beneficial for the overall immune system.
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When to Seek Medical Advice?
You may tolerate mild throat irritation, but what about excessive irritation? Then, the only solution is to see a doctor. The moment symptoms become severe or the irritation continues, seek medical attention.
- Persistent symptoms: The soreness isn’t going away even after a few weeks; rather, it got worse. Time to make a doctor's appointment.
- Severe pain or swelling: Can’t swallow food or see swelling around the mouth. Then, your throats need an immediate check-up.
- Other concerning symptoms: Having a fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or coughing up blood with sore throat call for emergency action.
Debunking Myths Around Vaping and Health
Myth: Vaping is harmless.
Fact: Nope, vaping is not risk-free. Yes, it is less harmful than traditional cigarettes. But vaping has its own set of side effects. We have seen vapers complaining about various health issues. Some reported sore throats, lung injuries, and addiction.
Myth: Vaping is a safe way to quit smoking.
Fact: There is a teeny-tiny possibility you might stop. Smokers switch to vaping to minimize their exposure to nicotine. But it isn't a guaranteed method. You can still expose yourself to nicotine addiction. It might even cause you long-term health risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does vaping always cause a sore throat?
No, not always.
Some people experience no sore throat at all, while others can have it occasionally or frequently.
How long does a vaping-related sore throat last?
There is no specific time duration.
For some vapers, the irritation lasts for a couple of hours or extends to a few weeks.
What’s the best remedy for a sore throat caused by vaping?
Taking a break from vaping, drinking plenty of fluids, gargling with salt water, and taking soothing lozenges will help.
Should I quit vaping if I experience a sore throat?
Not necessarily.
If the irritation is tolerable and infrequent, what you can do is change the e-liquid, clean the vape, and stop frequent vaping.
Can switching e-liquid help with sore throats?
You can try a higher VG ratio, milder flavors, and a different brand to soothe throat irritation.