Relieve Sore Throat From Vaping

If you have ever experienced a sore throat after vaping, you are not alone. Many vapers, both beginners and experienced users, report throat discomfort ranging from mild irritation to persistent soreness. While vaping is often seen as a less harmful alternative to smoking, it can still cause temporary throat irritation due to nicotine content, PG/VG ratio, dehydration, and inhalation technique.
There’s no doubt that the invention of electronic cigarettes can be a massive help in helping millions of people across the globe quit smoking cigarettes. However, this doesn’t mean it’s all smooth sailing for us avid vape users! Burning or sore throat due to vaping is a more frequent incident than you’d believe. But how can you avoid it?
The majority of the time, it’s not something to worry about. However, the “scratchy” sensation at the lower back of your throat can dampen the vaping experience.
One of the best things you can do for a sore throat from vaping is to hydrate with water, warm teas, or anything that will soothe your throat. Most likely, you’re having a slight reaction to your new vaping hobby. Give it time, and you’ll learn what adjustments you need to make to suit you best.
vaporfi.com
Why Does Vaping Cause a Sore Throat?
Several factors contribute to throat irritation while vaping. Identifying the root cause can help you make adjustments and find a more comfortable vaping setup.
1. High Nicotine Strength
To experience vaping to its maximum possible degree, it’s essential that the strength of nicotine in your e-liquid is suitable for your requirements. If the power of your nicotine is low, it will not be satisfying. However, you can fix this by using it more frequently or changing it to a more muscular nicotine strength. If your strength in nicotine is excessively high, however, you might not be able to vape in any way since you’ll cough or feel a painful throat whenever you attempt to breathe in the vapor.
- Nicotine is a known throat irritant, especially in high concentrations.
- Nicotine salts (used in pod systems) can be smoother but still cause irritation if the strength is too high.
- Traditional freebase nicotine can cause a stronger throat hit, which may be harsh on some users.

2. Propylene Glycol (PG) Sensitivity
Terpenes have been known to irritate the throat and coughing. In addition to terpenes, other components such as Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerine (VG) may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals and irritate the airways.
- Propylene Glycol (PG) is a key ingredient in e-liquids that enhances throat hit and flavor.
- PG absorbs moisture, leading to dryness and irritation in the throat.
- If you experience discomfort, consider switching to an e-liquid with a higher Vegetable Glycerin (VG) ratio for a smoother experience.
3. Dehydration from Vaping
- Vaping naturally dehydrates the body, as both PG and VG absorb moisture from the throat and mouth.
- Lack of hydration can lead to a dry, scratchy throat, making irritation worse.
- Drinking plenty of water while vaping can significantly reduce throat discomfort.
4. Incorrect Inhalation Technique
- New vapers may inhale too forcefully, leading to a harsher throat hit.
- Some pod systems and sub-ohm devices require different inhalation styles:
- Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) – Ideal for beginners and mimics cigarette smoking.
- Direct-to-Lung (DTL) – Produces large clouds and requires smooth, deep inhales.
- Using the wrong technique for your device can lead to excessive throat irritation.
5. Dry Hits (Burnt Coil)
- A dry hit occurs when your coil is not properly saturated with e-liquid, causing a harsh, burning sensation in the throat.
- Always keep your tank or pod filled and replace coils regularly to avoid this.
6. Artificial Flavoring & Sweeteners
- Some e-liquids use artificial flavors and sweeteners that can cause throat irritation or allergic reactions.
- Opting for naturally extracted tobacco e-liquids, such as Black Note’s premium blends, can reduce harshness and provide a smoother vaping experience.
Is CBD vaping safe?
A simple question with more of a complex answer. Inhaling anything in the airways (smoke or vapor) is not advised, and it is not advisable to start even if you’re not already doing it. If you vape CBD or other CBD products, you could find peace with the knowledge that this is precisely as hazardous as smoking cigarettes.
If you’ve ever vaporized CBD and it causes pain in your throat or gets you coughy, it’s an excellent suggestion to get this issue sorted out as soon as possible. Sore throats and coughs are strong indicators of inflammation. These could cause the spread of various respiratory diseases.
How to Relieve a Sore Throat from Vaping
If you are currently experiencing throat irritation, here are quick and effective remedies to ease discomfort.
1. Drink More Water
- Since vaping dehydrates the throat, drinking plenty of water, herbal tea, or broth-based soups helps reduce irritation.
- Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks, as they can worsen dehydration.
2. Gargle with Warm Salt Water
- Saltwater reduces swelling and soothes a sore throat.
- Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
3. Reduce Nicotine Strength
- If you experience persistent irritation, try switching to a lower nicotine level.
- Black Note’s tobacco e-liquids are available in various nicotine strengths, making it easier to find a comfortable option.
4. Use Throat Lozenges or Honey
- Sucking on throat lozenges or hard candy can help keep the throat moist.
- Honey and lemon mixed in warm water can also provide natural relief.
5. Switch to a High-VG E-Liquid
- E-liquids with higher Vegetable Glycerin (VG) content provide a smoother inhale and less throat irritation.
- Black Note’s e-liquids are formulated to be gentle on the throat, making them a great option.
6. Take a Short Break from Vaping
- During this time, focus on hydration and throat care.
- If your throat is sore, consider taking a short break from vaping to allow it to heal.
How to Prevent a Sore Throat from Vaping
To ensure a smooth and comfortable vaping experience, follow these preventative measures:
1. Choose the Right E-Liquid
- Avoid cheap, artificial-flavored e-liquids that contain harsh sweeteners.
- Opt for naturally extracted tobacco e-liquids, like Black Note’s selection, which provides a pure, smooth flavor without synthetic additives.
2. Adjust Your Inhalation Technique
- If using an MTL pod system, take slow, controlled draws.
- If using a DTL sub-ohm device, inhale directly into the lungs in a smooth motion.
3. Maintain Your Vape Device
- Replace coils regularly to prevent dry hits.
- Keep your pod or tank filled to avoid inhaling burnt wicks.
4. Use Lower Nicotine Levels
- If you experience frequent throat irritation, gradually reduce nicotine strength.
- Black Note offers multiple nicotine strengths, allowing users to find their ideal level.
5. Stay Hydrated
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to counteract vaping’s dehydrating effects.
- If you notice dry mouth or lips, increase your water intake immediately.
How to stop coughing while smoking?
If you are unsure why smoking causes you to cough, one of these options could help:
- New vapers may require some time to get used to the new lifestyle.
- Choose pure hemp extract CBD e-liquid.
- Make sure you use only lab-tested, high-quality CBD E-liquids that have been lab-tested.
- Try different methods of inhalation.
Best E-Liquids for a Smooth Vaping Experience
If you are looking for high-quality e-liquids that minimize throat irritation, Black Note’s Naturally Extracted Tobacco (NET) e-liquids are an excellent choice. Unlike mass-produced vape juices that contain synthetic sweeteners and artificial flavors, Black Note uses a cold maceration process to extract pure, natural tobacco flavor.
VAPE GUIDE
New to Vaping or Black Note?
Whether you're transitioning from smoking to vaping or seeking an upgrade to natural tobacco e-liquids, Black Note has you covered. Our quick, 15-second quiz and comprehensive guide are tailored to help both smokers and current vapers discover their ideal natural vaping alternatives.
Recommended Black Note E-Liquids for a Smooth Experience:
- Virginia Tobacco E-Liquid – A light, naturally sweet tobacco flavor.
- American Blend Tobacco E-Liquid – A bold, well-balanced tobacco blend.
- Special Blend Tobacco E-Liquid – A rich, full-bodied tobacco flavor.
These e-liquids are free from artificial additives, ensuring a smoother inhale and reduced throat irritation.
FAQ’s
Why does vaping cause a sore throat?
Vaping can cause a sore throat for several reasons, including:
- Nicotine Strength: High nicotine concentrations can cause throat irritation, especially for new vapers or those using strong nicotine salt formulations.
- PG/VG Ratio: E-liquids with a high propylene glycol (PG) content tend to cause more throat irritation because PG absorbs moisture, leading to dryness.
- Dehydration: Vaping naturally pulls moisture from your throat and mouth, leading to irritation if you do not drink enough water.
- Inhalation Technique: Taking forceful or incorrect inhales (especially with high-powered devices) can cause throat discomfort.
- Burnt Coils or Dry Hits: A coil that is overused or not properly saturated with e-liquid can create a harsh, burnt sensation that irritates the throat.
- Artificial Sweeteners and Flavorings: Some e-liquids contain synthetic ingredients that may be harsh on the throat, causing irritation for certain users.
Switching to a high-quality e-liquid, like Black Note’s Naturally Extracted Tobacco (NET) blends, can help reduce throat irritation.
Is a sore throat from vaping dangerous?
In most cases, a sore throat from vaping is temporary and not dangerous. However, persistent irritation may indicate an underlying issue, such as:
- Nicotine overuse, leading to prolonged throat dryness.
- Allergic reactions to PG or artificial flavorings.
- An improperly used or malfunctioning vape device.
If your sore throat persists for more than a week, or is accompanied by severe pain, swelling, or difficulty swallowing, it is best to stop vaping and consult a healthcare professional.
How long does a sore throat from vaping last?
A sore throat from vaping typically lasts a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the cause and how quickly you take steps to alleviate the irritation.
- If caused by dehydration, drinking plenty of water should provide relief within a few hours.
- If due to high nicotine strength, switching to a lower nicotine level should help within a day or two.
- If caused by a burnt coil or improper inhalation, symptoms should improve within 24-48 hours after adjusting your setup.
If throat irritation continues for more than a week, consider changing your e-liquid to a higher VG blend or using Black Note’s naturally extracted tobacco e-liquids, which are free from artificial additives that may cause discomfort.
Can switching from smoking to vaping cause a sore throat?
Yes, transitioning from smoking to vaping can temporarily cause a sore throat. This is due to:
- Nicotine Sensitivity: Your body may take time to adjust to nicotine in vapor form, especially if you are using a higher-strength e-liquid.
- Detoxing from Cigarettes: As you quit smoking, your body goes through a detox period, clearing out tar, chemicals, and mucus buildup, which can cause temporary throat discomfort.
- Differences in Inhalation: Smoking involves combustion, while vaping produces vapor. Some new vapers may inhale too harshly, leading to throat irritation.
This adjustment phase usually lasts a few days to a couple of weeks, after which throat irritation should subside. Staying hydrated and using smooth, naturally extracted tobacco e-liquids can help ease the transition.
Can nicotine strength cause a sore throat?
Yes, nicotine strength is one of the main causes of throat irritation in vapers.
- High nicotine levels (12 mg and above) provide a stronger throat hit, which can be harsh, especially for new vapers.
- Nicotine salts (20-50 mg/mL), commonly found in pod systems, can be smoother than freebase nicotine but still cause irritation if used in high concentrations.
- Too much nicotine intake can lead to dryness, scratchiness, and overall discomfort in the throat.
If nicotine strength is the issue, try:
- Switching to lower nicotine concentrations.
- Using high-quality e-liquids like Black Note’s Special Blend or Virginia Tobacco, which offer a smoother inhale.
- Taking slower, more controlled draws to reduce throat harshness.
Does CBD vaping cause a sore throat?
Yes, CBD vaping can cause a sore throat for similar reasons as nicotine vaping, including:
- High PG content in CBD e-liquids, which can dry out the throat.
- Incorrect inhalation technique, leading to irritation.
- Low-quality CBD products with additives, which may be harsher on the throat.
- Dehydration, as vaping CBD also pulls moisture from the throat.
If you experience irritation from vaping CBD, try switching to a higher VG e-liquid, staying hydrated, and reducing your inhalation intensity.
Does vaping with a burnt coil cause throat irritation?
Yes, vaping with a burnt coil is one of the worst causes of throat irritation.
A burnt coil occurs when:
- Your e-liquid runs too low, leading to dry hits.
- The coil has been overused and starts degrading.
- You are using the wrong wattage settings, causing overheating.
Burnt coils produce a harsh, burnt taste and can release toxic byproducts, leading to severe throat irritation and coughing.
To avoid this:
- Replace coils regularly (every 1-2 weeks, depending on use).
- Prime new coils properly before vaping to prevent dry hits.
- Keep your tank or pod filled to avoid burning the wick.
If you have been vaping with a burnt coil and experience throat irritation, take a break from vaping, drink water, and switch to a fresh coil immediately.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Vaping Without Discomfort
Vaping can be an enjoyable experience, but throat irritation can be frustrating if not addressed. By choosing the right e-liquids, adjusting your vaping habits, and staying hydrated, you can significantly reduce or eliminate sore throats from vaping.
If you are looking for a naturally smooth vaping experience, explore Black Note’s premium tobacco e-liquids, crafted for quality, authenticity, and comfort.
Stay connected with Black Note!
Subscribe to receive exclusive discounts, expert vaping tips, and updates on the latest devices directly to your inbox.