A sore throat is a very common complaint among people who use vaping devices, and this irritation can indeed be directly attributed to the practice. The discomfort from vaping is often a result of chemical and physical interactions between the inhaled aerosol and the delicate tissues of the upper respiratory tract. Understanding the specific components within the e-liquid and how the device operates clarifies why throat irritation occurs. This article explores the direct mechanisms behind this common side effect, from the dehydrating nature of the base liquids to the chemical irritation caused by nicotine and flavorings.
Dehydration and Physical Irritation
The fundamental cause of throat dryness and irritation from vaping lies in the base components of the e-liquid: Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG). Both substances are classified as humectants, meaning they actively attract and hold water molecules. When the aerosol containing these agents is inhaled, they draw moisture directly from the mucosal lining of the throat and mouth.
Propylene Glycol, in particular, is a known upper respiratory irritant and is primarily responsible for the scratchy sensation often called “throat hit.” This hygroscopic action leads to the dehydration of the throat tissue, causing dryness, minor inflammation, and soreness. The body may also respond to this chronic dryness by producing more mucus, which can result in a gunky or sticky feeling in the throat as the thickened mucus mixes with the vapor residue.
Chemical Agents and Device Settings
Beyond the physical drying effect, specific chemical agents within the e-liquid significantly contribute to throat irritation. Nicotine, especially in higher concentrations, acts as a chemical irritant to the throat lining. Freebase nicotine, the traditional form used in many e-liquids, is particularly known for creating a harsher, more pronounced “throat hit” sensation that can quickly lead to soreness.
Flavorings can become respiratory irritants when aerosolized and inhaled. Compounds like cinnamaldehyde (cinnamon flavor) and certain aldehyde-based flavorants activate molecular receptors in the airways, contributing to irritation and inflammation. Even sweeteners, commonly used in dessert and candy-flavored e-liquids, do not vaporize cleanly and can leave a sticky residue on the throat, which exacerbates soreness.
The operational settings of the vaping device also play a significant role in generating irritants. Using a device at high wattage or temperature settings can cause the PG and VG to undergo thermal degradation. This process breaks down the base liquids into harmful compounds, such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein, which are known respiratory toxicants. Inhaling these high-temperature degradation products directly damages the throat tissue, leading to acute irritation.
Strategies for Relief and Prevention
The most immediate strategy to counteract vaping-related throat soreness is to increase daily water intake. Consistently drinking water helps replenish the moisture lost from the throat’s mucosal lining. Saltwater gargles can also provide temporary relief by reducing swelling and helping to clear any chemical residue from the throat.
Adjusting the e-liquid composition is a preventative measure that can reduce irritation. Switching to an e-liquid with a higher Vegetable Glycerin (VG) to Propylene Glycol (PG) ratio results in a smoother aerosol, as VG is less irritating than PG. Reducing the nicotine concentration in the e-liquid can also alleviate soreness, since high nicotine levels are directly linked to increased throat harshness.
Users should also modify their device settings and vaping habits. Lowering the device’s wattage or temperature setting prevents the thermal breakdown of the base liquids, reducing the production of irritating chemical byproducts like formaldehyde and acrolein. Taking shorter, less frequent puffs allows the throat time to recover between exposures and minimizes the volume of aerosolized irritants inhaled.