Can Vaping Make You Sick?
Vaping can cause side effects, and some people notice them more than others. The most common ones are often tied to things you can adjust: your e-liquid, your nicotine strength and the way you vape.
Here’s what vapers mention most, what tends to cause it and when it’s time to stop and see a doctor. It’s general information, not medical advice.
Short version: Dry mouth, throat irritation, coughing and the effects of too much nicotine are the side effects vapers mention most. Adjusting your juice, strength or technique often makes a difference. Chest pain, trouble breathing or symptoms that don’t go away need a doctor.
Dry mouth and thirst
Feeling thirsty or dry-mouthed is one of the most common complaints, especially for new vapers. The two main ingredients in vape juice, propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), both attract moisture, and inhaling them can leave your mouth and throat feeling dry.
- Drink water through the day. Keep a bottle nearby and sip regularly, especially in hot weather.
- Try a different blend. PG gives a stronger throat hit, so a high-PG juice can feel harsher. Many people find a higher-VG juice smoother. The ratio is often listed on the label or the brand’s website.
- Take breaks. Constant puffing makes dryness worse.
Dryness can also dull your sense of taste for a while, something vapers call vaper’s tongue. Drinking more water and switching to a different flavor for a day or two usually brings your favorite back.
A small number of people find PG irritating or notice a reaction to it. If that sounds like you, a high-VG juice may feel better, and it’s worth mentioning to your doctor. Our guide to PG and VG explains how the ratio changes the experience.
Coughing and throat irritation
Coughing is common when you’re new to vaping, and it often comes down to technique or strength rather than the flavor itself.
Match your inhale to your device
There are two main ways to vape. Mouth-to-lung (MTL) means drawing vapor into your mouth first and then inhaling, much like a cigarette. Direct-to-lung (DTL) means breathing the vapor straight into your lungs, the way sub-ohm devices are designed to be used.
Trying to take big lung hits on a tight MTL device is a common cause of coughing, and so is pulling hard on a sub-ohm tank you’re not used to. Our guide to sub-ohm vaping explains the difference.
Check your nicotine strength
Nicotine that’s too strong for your device is a common cause of a harsh throat hit. High-strength freebase juice in a big sub-ohm tank is the classic example. Lower the strength, or use a device suited to the strength you prefer. Our guide to choosing a nicotine strength can help.
Watch for dry hits
A burnt, harsh puff will make almost anyone cough. It usually means a dry wick, a worn coil or too much power. Stop, let the wick soak and see our guide to dry hits.
If a cough lasts, gets worse or comes with wheezing, chest pain or shortness of breath, stop vaping and see a doctor.
Too much nicotine
Nicotine is a stimulant, and it’s addictive. Too much of it can make you feel dizzy, lightheaded, nauseous, jittery or anxious, or give you a headache or a racing heart. It’s easy to overdo it when you’re new to vaping or using a high-strength product.
- Lower your strength. If you feel any of these, step down to a lower nicotine level next time.
- Slow down. It’s easy to puff constantly while you work or watch TV. Setting your device down out of reach helps, and some devices show a puff count so you can keep track.
- Know the product. Nicotine salts and many disposables come in much higher strengths than traditional freebase juice. Check the label before you start.
Liquid nicotine is poisonous if swallowed. If a child or pet gets into e-liquid, contact Poison Control or get emergency help right away.
When to see a doctor
Mild dryness or a short-lived cough is one thing. Some symptoms need medical attention. Stop vaping and get care if you have:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- A cough that won’t go away, or coughing up blood
- Fever, chills, vomiting or unexplained weight loss along with breathing symptoms
- A racing or irregular heartbeat that doesn’t settle
If symptoms are severe, get emergency care right away. Otherwise, book a visit with your doctor, who can look at the full picture, including your nicotine use and health history. For the latest public health guidance on vaping, visit cdc.gov and fda.gov.
Common questions
Why does vaping make me thirsty?
PG and VG both attract moisture, so vaping can leave your mouth and throat dry. Drinking water regularly and taking breaks usually helps.
Why do I cough when I vape?
Common causes are inhaling the wrong way for your device, a nicotine strength that’s too high or a burnt coil. If the cough doesn’t go away, see a doctor.
What does too much nicotine feel like?
Dizziness, nausea, a headache, jitters or a racing heart. Stop, rest and use a lower strength next time. If symptoms are severe, get medical help.
Can I be sensitive to vape juice?
Some people react to PG or to certain flavorings. If you notice irritation, a rash or other symptoms, stop using that juice and talk to your doctor.
WARNING: This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. For adults 21+ only.