WARNING: This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical.

The vaping experts at VaporFi offer advice on how to make your transition to vapor cigarettes as seamless and comfortable as possible

You might have made the switch to   because it’s a smarter smoking alternative to your traditional tobaccocigarettes. But now, just days after starting, you are experiencing an annoying cough and irritating sore throat from the very device that was supposedly going to help you live better.

As frustrating as this can be, the good new is that you aren't alone. These preventable symptoms are a common amongst new vapers, and often making a few small tweaks can be the solution.. By learning a few basics about vaping, you can maximize your enjoyment and really make the most of your vape session – and that includes kicking that nasty cough.

Here are some possible reasons why you could be experiencing these symptoms:

1. Throat Hit

E-liquid is comprised of either PG (Propylene Glycol) or VG (Vegetable Glycerin)—or sometimes a mix of both. PG is what gives a strong throat hit that many vapers crave, but it can leave your throat feeling dry and scratchy if you aren't used to it. Some vapor cig users may also be mildly allergic to PG, in which case they should stick with VG-based e-liquids instead. The good news is, there are so many different e-juices that you can definitely find one that tastes good and doesn’t bother your throat. Learn more about what PG really is that you can definitely find one that tastes good and doesn’t bother your throat. Learn more about Learning Center.

2. Nicotine Strength

If you’re also feeling lightheaded or nauseous when you cape, odds are your body is reacting to too much nicotine. Most e-liquid comes in a range of different nicotine strengths, which is the concentration of liquid nicotine per bottle represented in a percentage. For instance, at VaporFi, our lightest blend (not including our non-nicotine strength with 0% nicotine) contains 0.6% nicotine and is made for the ultra-light smoker in mind. If this person was to suddenly vape our 3.6% bold nicotine blend, then it could certainly result in coughing and an irritated throat. Reducing the nicotine strength in your e-liquid should do the trick. Keep reading to find out how to determine the best nicotine level for you.

3. Vaping Style

When starting out, many vapers simply aren't aware that inhaling vapor is very different from smoking an analog cigarette. If you take a deep, full draw on a vapor cig the way you would from a cigarette, you are sure to experience a tingling or burning sensation in the back of the throat and in the lungs. On the flip side, quick and shallow puffs will leave you feeling unsatisfied as this causes you to miss out on full, voluminous clouds of vapor. The ideal vapor cig drag is slow and measured (2 to 3 seconds), and vapor should enter your mouth with ease, leaving behind no uncomfortable feeling when you exhale.

4. Vaping Frequency

In addition to changing how you inhale vapor, you might also consider adjusting how often you vapor smoke. Just because vapor cigs are often made to look and taste like analog cigarettes, doesn't mean you need to vape as often as you smoked. In the end, each person has their own preferences and each e-liquid performs differently, so you may have to experiment a little to find the right balance.

5. Dehydration

Just because you exhale water vapor when vaping doesn't mean you are staying hydrated. PG and VG in e-liquid naturally attracts moisture, which means prolonged vaping will dry out your mouth and throat. This may result in a sore or irritated throat, so be sure to drink plenty of water while vaping to avoid dehydration.

Don't Give Up!

The most important thing to remember when dealing with coughing, sore throat or other irritating symptoms while vaping is not to get discouraged. Unfortunately, some new vapers are disheartened and give up while transitioning from tobacco cigarettes to a smarter smoking alternative, especially when also dealing with the side effects of becoming tobacco-free.

If you have recently started using vapor cigs and are struggling with a sore throat or coughing, we want you to know that it is possible to enjoy a rich vaping experience without the discomfort you are feeling. First, evaluate the possible reasons listed above for the symptoms you are experiencing, and then make the necessary changes until they go away.

Also, feel free to talk to one of our vapor smoking specialists today by calling toll-free 1-855-93-VAPOR or stop by one of our store locations to pick the brain of one of our knowledgeable "vapologists." We are here to help make sure you have the best vaping experience possible!

*Note: The advice presented in this article should not replace the counsel of a medical professional. If you start experiencing any symptoms that you feel warrant medical attention, we strongly recommend that you consult your doctor.