Vaping is often seen as a less harmful alternative to smoking, but many vapers encounter a persistent problem: throat burn. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced vaper, throat irritation can take the joy out of vaping. Luckily, several factors cause this issue, and by addressing them, you can enjoy a smoother, more comfortable vape session.

Understanding Why Your Vape Burns Your Throat

There are several reasons why your vape might cause a burning sensation in your throat:

  • High Nicotine Levels: One of the primary causes of throat irritation is vaping with e-liquids that have high nicotine content. The stronger the nicotine, the harsher the throat hit, leading to discomfort.
  • PG/VG Ratio: E-liquids contain propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), both of which affect the vape’s smoothness. PG provides a stronger throat hit, while VG produces smoother vapor. If your e-liquid has a higher PG content, it could be the cause of the burning sensation in your throat.
  • Burnt Coils or Dry Hits: If you’ve ever taken a puff and experienced a harsh, burnt taste, this is likely a dry hit. This occurs when there’s insufficient e-liquid saturating the coil, leading to the burning of the wick. It’s also possible that the coil itself is damaged and needs replacement.
  • Improper Device Settings: Vaping at too high a wattage or temperature can cause the vapor to overheat, leading to irritation in your throat. Each coil has a recommended wattage range, and exceeding this can damage the coil and cause a burnt taste.
  • Allergic Reactions: Some users may be sensitive or allergic to ingredients like PG, which can lead to throat irritation and other symptoms.

Proven Strategies to Prevent Throat Burn

Here are some practical tips to help you avoid throat irritation and enjoy a smoother vape experience:

1. Lower the Nicotine Level

If you’re using an e-liquid with high nicotine content, consider lowering it. High nicotine levels can cause a harsh throat hit, making vaping uncomfortable. Switching to a lower nicotine strength or nicotine salts can make a big difference. Nicotine salts are generally smoother and more tolerable for your throat, even at higher nicotine levels.

2. Adjust the PG/VG Ratio

If your e-liquid has a high PG content, it could be causing the burning sensation in your throat. Try switching to a vape juice with more VG (vegetable glycerin), which produces smoother vapor and less throat irritation. For those particularly sensitive to PG, 100% VG e-liquids may be a good option.

3. Keep Your Coil Clean and Replace It Regularly

A burnt coil can ruin your vaping experience. If you’re using a coil past its lifespan, it’s likely to produce a burnt taste, causing throat irritation. Regularly replacing coils and ensuring that they are properly primed can help prevent this issue.

4. Lower the Wattage or Temperature

If you’re vaping at a high wattage, the vapor might be too hot, which can lead to a burning sensation in your throat. Try lowering the wattage or temperature setting on your device to create a cooler, more comfortable vape​.

5. Avoid Chain Vaping

Taking long, continuous puffs, also known as chain vaping, can deplete the e-liquid in your wick faster than it can absorb more juice. This results in dry hits, which can burn your throat. Giving your vape time to cool down between puffs can help avoid this problem.

6. Stay Hydrated

Vaping can cause dehydration, which may dry out your throat and exacerbate irritation. Make sure to drink water regularly when vaping to keep your throat moist and avoid discomfort.

7. Improve Your Vaping Technique

The way you inhale vapor can also contribute to throat burn. Try taking slower, more controlled puffs rather than deep, rapid inhales. This technique allows the vapor to cool down before it reaches your throat​.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While making adjustments to your vaping setup and technique can usually solve the problem, persistent throat irritation might indicate a more serious issue. If you experience ongoing discomfort, cough, or other symptoms like swelling or difficulty breathing, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. Vaping can sometimes lead to throat infections or trigger allergic reactions, which require medical attention.

Final Thoughts

Throat burn from vaping is a common issue, but it’s one that can be resolved by tweaking your setup and habits. Whether you need to adjust your nicotine level, change your PG/VG ratio, or replace your coil, the right combination of these strategies can restore comfort to your vaping experience. Experiment with different approaches and find the setup that works best for you to enjoy smoother, irritation-free vaping.

By following these tips, you can prevent the burning sensation in your throat and get back to enjoying your vape sessions.