Why Is My Vape Burning My Throat?

Not everyone will experience a sore throat or burning sensation when vaping, but it is a common occurrence that many vapers go through. There are a few reasons why your throat hit may cause irritation or a burning sensation, most of which can be prevented or fixed. Most often, vapers experience a throat burn when taking dry hits.

Dry Hits

Dry hits are the most common cause of experiencing a burning sensation when vaping. You can experience dry hits if:

• Your cotton wick and coil have not been primed properly
• Your coil is set to a temperature that heats up the e-liquid too quickly
• You do not have enough e-liquid left in your tank
• Your e-liquid has higher concentrations of Vegetable Glycerine

This results in an uncomfortable and unpleasant amount of heat blasting the back of your throat – causing a quite intense burning sensation.

How To Prevent And Fix Dry Hits

You can prevent or fix dry hits by:

• Making sure that your coil is fully saturated with vape juice
• Keep track of your vaping habits and frequency
• Checking your e-liquid ingredients
• Cleaning your device regularly
• Replacing components when necessary
• Getting a new device

Making Sure That Your Coil Is Fully Saturated With Vape Juice

One of the key steps in setting up your vape device is to make sure that your coil is fully saturated with e-liquid. Having an unsoaked coil is the most common cause of dry hits.

Once you have added your e-liquid to your device, it is best to let it stand for 5-10 minutes before puffing to give your coil the proper amount of time to soak thoroughly. Be sure to use coils that are suitable for your device, as this could impact the quality of priming.

If you have been using a top-coil, it could be worth it to switch to a bottom-coil tank, as this ensures that the coil stays saturated.

Keep Track Of Your Vaping Habits And Frequency

It can be easy to lose track of how much you have been vaping, and for most users the frequency at which they vape will vary. However, chaining your device greatly increases the chance of experiencing dry hits. This causes the coil to dry out faster and overheat, resulting in a burnt taste and scorched throat.

Try to be more aware of how frequently you vape if this becomes a common occurrence. You can also try out a lower-strength e-liquid or replace your coil. 

Checking Your E-Liquid Ingredients

Using e-liquid that contains high concentrations of Propylene Glycol (PG) can make your throat dry, which causes irritation in itself. Some people prefer PG-based e-liquids since they provide stronger hits. An easy way to prevent throat burn with PG liquid is to stay hydrated.

However, e-liquids high in Vegetable Glycerine (VG) are thicker, which can in turn make it difficult for your coil to get saturated properly. VG has been reported to give smoother hits and produce more vapour, making it a popular option amongst vapers. 

If you prefer VG-based e-liquids, be sure to prime your coil for a few extra minutes to ensure that it is fully soaked. Taking a ‘primer puff’ (drawing while the battery is off) will also help to keep your coil moist. When using VG liquids, you may also need to prime your coil more frequently, especially if you vape a lot.

Getting A New Device

If you simply cannot determine why you are experiencing frequent dry hits, it may be time to get a new device. Keep an eye out for devices that have different temperature and voltage settings, as this decreases the likelihood of experiencing dry hits. You could also be using a device that does not suit your vaping habits, in which case an upgrade will not go wasted.

If you are looking for an upgrade to your current device, be sure to check out Vaperite. We have a wide range of devices, e-liquids, and accessories to ensure the perfect vaping experience for any user.

Other Reasons Why Your Throat Hurts When Vaping

Some common reasons for experiencing a burning sensation or discomfort in the throat when vaping include:

• Dry Hits
• First Time Vapers
• Nicotine Withdrawal
• Volatile Organic Compounds And Diacetyl

First Time Vapers

If you are not used to smoking or vaping, taking a hit may cause a sore or irritated sensation in the throat. This can also happen if your e-juice has a higher nicotine content than you are used to. You may even experience this sensation when using a vape with higher temperature settings.

It takes some time for your system to get used to new vaping products and equipment, so it is a good idea to see how you handle it for a few days before ditching the product. Most vapers get used to new devices or liquids once they have used them for five consecutive days.

Nicotine Withdrawal

If you are using vape-juice that contains a lower nicotine content than you are used to, you may start experiencing nicotine withdrawal. You may experience the following symptoms when going through nicotine withdrawal:

• Nicotine cravings / wanting to take more hits
• Frustration or irritability
• Restlessness and anxiety
• Increased appetite
• Sore or irritated throat

If you are looking to lower your nicotine content, it is good to know what to expect in terms of withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms of withdrawal usually peak after three days of lowered nicotine intake, but the body gets used to a lowered nicotine content much easier than with complete nicotine withdrawal. These symptoms are temporary in nature and will start to decrease in intensity at around one week.

Volatile Organic Compounds And Diacetyl

Some brands of e-liquid may contain diacetyl or volatile organic compounds. Both of these are known to irritate the throat. If you are continuously experiencing a sore throat when vaping specific e-liquids, switching to brands that do not contain these compounds can give you a smoother throat hit. Simply check the label of your current liquid to see if these are listed in the ingredients and switch to another brand.

Whether you are a new or experienced vaper, you will most likely experience dry hits from time to time. Make sure that you are using a device that suits your vaping habits, you are using the right e-liquids, and that you are priming your coil properly. Take the extra time to get your device ready so that you can enjoy your vaping experience.