Vaping is an affordable alternative to traditional cigarettes that are more discreet and less antisocial. Vapes are gaining popularity among former smokers and young people alike.

One study concluded that young adults in the study believed “the long-term health effects of e-cigarette use are not clearly understood and were generally skeptical of the research on e-cigarette harms,” which shows the positive public opinion on vaping.

However, vaping still poses health risks, including the potential to give users a sore throat. Here, we look at throat irritation associated with vaping and what to do about it. 

Does Vaping Cause a Sore Throat?

While vaping is gradually becoming the preferred method of consuming nicotine among young people, it is not without side effects. Vapes activate when you press a button or begin to inhale, which in turn heats a coil that heats e-liquid inside to release the vapor you inhale.

The vaping liquid often contains ingredients that absorb moisture from your throat and may cause it to dry up and feel sore. These same liquids can also contain flavors that irritate the throat, depending on which flavors you choose.

Not only does the liquid pose a sore throat threat, but the heat from the vapor may cause inflammation, too. 

How Vaping Could Lead to a Sore Throat

If you’ve ever experienced a sore throat while vaping, here are the most common reasons why:

Dryness and Dehydration

Mouth-to-lung (MTL) vapes are the most popular. They are usually disposable and available in various colors and flavors. The vaping liquid used in these vapes often has higher amounts of propylene glycol (PG). In contrast, Direct-to-lung (DTL) vapes are more compatible with thicker liquids like vegetable glycerin (VG) to produce large vapor clouds. Both chemicals absorb liquid from the throat when inhaled, leading to dryness and irritation. 

Irritants in the E-Liquid

The vast range of flavors in which e-liquid is available is part of why so many people, especiallyyoung people who vape, are willing to try them. However, many of these flavors can be harsh on the throat. If you eat a lemon, your body usually reacts. The same can be said if you choose an intense citrusy flavor. 

Other flavors that can be harsh on the throat include menthol, cinnamon and spicy options, and sour candy flavors. Plain nicotine flavoring can also have a strong throat hit compared to a smoother option like fruity or creamy options. It’s not just the flavorings in the liquid that can be harsh on the throat. 

Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, which slows down the production of saliva in the throat, which can lead to harshness. When you increase the strength of the nicotine, you also increase the potential for throat irritation. 

Heat from the Vapor

Vapes heat the liquid inside to between 200°F and 600°F. These high temperatures make the vapor you inhale pretty hot, too. This hot vapor on the back of the throat may cause irritation and dryness, especially with extended and frequent puffs. 

Other Factors That Contribute to Throat Discomfort

In addition to the e-liquid ingredients and high temperature of vapes, there are some personal factors that may increase the chance of throat irritation. 

Vaping Technique

Everybody has their own style of vaping. If you are one of the people who has a vape in hand 24/7, you are more likely to have a sore throat due to the frequency with which you’re hitting it. The more puffs you take in quick succession, the less time your body has to counteract the effects. 

High-wattage devices are also more likely to cause throat irritation because the vapor will be heated to much higher temperatures and, in turn, inhaled at higher temperatures by you. High-wattage vapes also lead to a stronger throat hit and could lead to throat irritation more quickly. 

Frequency and Duration of Vaping

If you like taking big hits often, you may notice more throat irritation than your friends who occasionally take little puffs. This vaping technique is because you’re exposing your throat to high temperatures and potentially harmful ingredients for much longer, which may cause your throat to dry out more quickly and lead to irritation. 

Quality of the E-Liquid and Device

Like with all things, you pay for what you get. Vapers should choose high-quality e-liquid from a reputable brand with pharmaceutical-grade nicotine and food-grade flavorings. Additionally, select an e-liquid with an appropriate nicotine level to suit your needs. Vapers should avoid cheap products with low-quality ingredients, harsh flavors, inappropriate nicotine levels, and the wrong carrier fluid for their devices. 

Can Vaping Be Harmful to Long-Term Throat Health?

Just like with any nicotine product, there are risks associated with vaping. While the risk of respiratory issues, such as “popcorn lung,” has been addressed with thebanning of the chemical diacetyl that causes it, the health risks of long-term vaping have not been researched in-depth because they haven’t been around as long as traditional smoking. 

One study concluded that “the most reported side effects were throat and mouth irritation, followed by cough. The long-term impact of E-cigs is not known, given the recent emergence of this technology. Future studies are warranted.” 

Otherstudies conclude that “exposure to e-cigarette vapor extract induces vocal fold epithelial injury and triggers intense mucosal remodeling.” At the same time,another suggested that “physicians should consider non-infectious causes such as vaping in their differential diagnosis for patients with acute and subacute epiglottitis,” which is an infection of the flap of tissue that covers the windpipe. 

Traditional smoking exposes the throat and body to tar and toxic chemicals, which are more likely to lead to diseases likehead and neck cancer than vaping. While more studies are necessary to prove the long-term effects, anecdotal evidence from regular vapers points to a change in the voice, hoarseness, more infections, throat irritation, and more. 

How to Prevent or Relieve a Sore Throat from Vaping

Here are some tips to lower your chances of getting a sore throat from vaping. 

Stay Hydrated

If you vape regularly, be sure to stay hydrated to ensure your saliva stays in the mouth. This can also help withyellow teeth and oral health. 

Choosing the Right E-Liquid

Vapers should choose high-quality e-liquid from a reputable brand with pharmaceutical-grade nicotine and food-grade flavorings. Look for liquids with less propylene glycol, lower nicotine content, and less harsh flavors, like plain fruit. 

Adjusting Vaping Technique

Lowering the number of puffs you take or how powerful your vape is could be the answer to your vape-related throat issues. Put your vape down after each puff, keep count of how many hits you are taking, and restrict yourself to less to see if this helps. Additionally, look out for a new vape with a lower wattage so that hits aren’t as powerful. 

Regular Device Maintenance

It’s essential to keep your vape clean and maintained. Don’t let the battery run flat, and avoid storing your vape in rooms with high temperatures. For a deep clean, take your vape’s components apart and clean them separately; just let them dry before putting them back together. Keeping up with maintenance should prevent contaminants from getting into your e-liquid and hitting your throat, which could also irritate you. 

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you’ve tried the options above and see no improvement or pain worsens, it might be time to consult a healthcare provider.Chronic coughing and wheezing could indicate something more severe is happening in your body. 

Conclusion

Vaping can cause a sore throat, but it depends on several factors that range from your vaping style and frequency, the ingredients, flavor, and nicotine levels in the e-liquid you use, and environmental factors like how hydrated you keep yourself. Always be mindful about how you vape.

 Even though it is tempting to puff away because it is discrete and doesn’t leave a nasty smell around like traditional cigarettes, it might not be the best choice for your health. Strike a balance between enjoying your vape and implementing responsible habits to protect your throat and overall health.