Many people who make the switch from tobacco cigarettes to e-cigarettes experience dryness or irritation in the throat after vaping. People who experience the soreness report that it isn’t very painful and typically goes away after having a drink or coughing for a few seconds.
The irritation is likely due to propylene glycol (PG), which is found in small amounts in the e-cigarette liquid. PG is safe for human consumption but can dry out the delicate skin in the throat. When the throat becomes dry, some people experience an itching sensation or the need to cough.
One way to avoid a vapor-based cough is to switch from a PC-based liquid to one that has vegetable glycerin (VG). VG does not dry out the throat like PG does. One downside to switching to a VG-based liquid is that there are not as many flavors available. VG liquid is also slightly thicker and so harder on the mechanical components of the e-cigarette.
For some people, electronic cigarettes are an effective tool to wean off of traditional cigarettes. Similar to nicotine gum or patches, the small amount of nicotine in e-cigarettes satisfy the craving but allow a person to progressively use less and less.
The FDA does state several health concerns with e-cigarettes. They can cause throat and mouth irritation and a dry cough, as discussed above. The vapor may also still contain cancer-causing chemicals, and the nicotine in the liquid can raise blood pressure and harm small arteries. Some studies suggest the vapor reduces lung function, but the results are mixed.
The biggest concern many people have with e-cigarettes is that we don’t yet know the long-term effects. They may be useful as a tool to stop smoking, but shouldn’t be used for long periods or thought of as harmless.
