Understanding Vaping: Overcoming Coughing and Uncertainty

Vaping has gained immense popularity in the Philippines, especially among young adults and those seeking alternatives to traditional smoking. However, many newcomers to the vaping scene find themselves saying, ‘I don’t know how to vape; I keep on coughing.’ This article aims to shed light on why coughing occurs during vaping and how to enjoy a smoother experience.

Understanding the Basics of Vaping

Before diving into the coughing issue, it’s essential to understand what vaping entails. Vaping involves inhaling vapor produced by an electronic device, known as a vape or e-cigarette. Unlike traditional cigarettes, which burn tobacco, vapes heat a liquid (often referred to as e-liquid or vape juice) containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. It’s considered by some as a less harmful alternative to smoking.

Why You Might Be Coughing While Vaping

Coughing while vaping can be frustrating, especially for beginners. There are several reasons why this might occur:

• Nicotine Concentration: Many vapes contain varying levels of nicotine. If you choose a high-nicotine e-liquid, it can cause irritation in your throat, leading to coughing.
• VG/PG Ratio: E-liquids are typically made of vegetable glycerin (VG) and propylene glycol (PG). A high VG content can produce thicker vapor, which might be more challenging for new vapers to inhale smoothly.
• Inhaling Technique: New vapers often inhale too deeply or too quickly, which can overwhelm their throat and lungs, causing a coughing fit.
• Device Settings: If you are using a sub-ohm device or a high-wattage setting, the amount of vapor produced may be excessive for a beginner, leading to coughing.

Tips for a Smoother Vaping Experience

If you are new to vaping and experiencing coughing, consider the following tips to enhance your experience:

• Choose Lower Nicotine E-Liquids: Start with a lower nicotine concentration (3mg or 6mg) to ease into vaping without harsh throat hits.
• Experiment with VG/PG Ratios: Look for e-liquids with a balanced VG/PG ratio (50/50) to create a smoother inhale. This mixture provides a good throat hit while still producing decent vapor.
• Practice Inhaling: Instead of taking deep breaths, try mouth-to-lung inhaling, where you first draw the vapor into your mouth and then inhale it into your lungs.
• Adjust Your Device Settings: Start with lower wattages and gradually increase them as you become more comfortable.

Conclusion

Vaping can be an enjoyable experience, but it’s common for newcomers in the Philippines to feel uncertain and face challenges like coughing. By understanding the factors that contribute to these issues and implementing the provided tips, you can find a comfortable vaping routine. With time and practice, you’ll learn how to vape smoothly and appreciate the diverse flavors and experiences that vaping has to offer.