How To Get Rid of a Sore Throat From Vaping?

August 23, 2023

Vaping is a hugely popular activity across the globe that shows no signs of slowing down, but that doesn't mean it's all entirely positive. Adverse side effects are possible; one of the most commonly reported is a sore throat. 

Luckily, you don't just have to grit your teeth and endure. There are ways to make your sore throat easier to deal with. 

In this guide, we'll take you through some of the best ways to make your sore throat less uncomfortable, including tips on preventing it from happening in the future. Let's jump in!

Is It Normal to Get a Sore Throat From Vaping?

It's a highly common occurrence for vapers to experience a sore throat from their vape. This sore throat can be due to several factors, including the ingredients in the vapour. 

Most e-juice is made up of propylene glycol and nicotine, both of which can irritate your throat when consumed frequently.

This irritation is especially relevant if you consume different nicotine levels than what you're used to (higher or lower). Other potential causes include taking dry hits, which is when your vape liquid has run too low, and you're effectively inhaling dry wick fumes. Refilling or replacing your vape as soon as it starts to run down is essential to avoid dry hits.

How to Cure a Sore Throat From Vaping

There's no quick fix for a sore throat, but there are steps you can take to ease some of your symptoms and preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of it happening again. We've listed some of the best steps for you to take below. 

Ensure Your E-Liquids are High Quality

This tip is arguably the most important, so we're including it at the top. Low-quality e-liquids can contain numerous additional ingredients that will irritate your throat. 

Although you might save money on the initial purchase, you'll cost yourself in the long run with potential side effects like a sore throat or headaches. Don't take the risk. Only put your money towards e-liquids from reputable brands that use appropriate ingredients. 

Drink Plenty of Fluids

Nothing will cause a sore throat faster than dehydration, regardless of the quality of your vape. If you frequently vape, you must stay on top of your fluid intake. Water is the go-to for hydration, but herbal tea is also a good idea. 

If neither of those appeals to you, just reach for your favourite drink. As long as it isn't alcohol or an energy drink, then it's better than nothing.

Gargle With Warm Salt Water

Warm salt water is known to be an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory solution for various issues, including toothaches, respiratory infections, and (you guessed it) sore throats.

All you need to do is mix roughly half a spoon of salt into a mug of boiling water. Then, either wait for it to cool or add cold water to make it drinkable. 

It's essential to boil the water to remove any potential bacteria. Gargle with the solution and your sore throat should begin to alleviate. 

Use Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers

Painkillers such as ibuprofen can effectively reduce the discomfort of a sore throat. Always pay attention to the instructions provided with your chosen pain relief. Some can't be mixed with other medications and have a limit on how many you can take at one time.

Just remember, these tablets are pain relievers only. They don't treat the cause of the discomfort, nor do they make it less likely to occur again. However, if you're after some quick relief, they may quickly and efficiently reduce your pain. 

Avoid Further Irritants

It isn't just vapour that can irritate your throat. Certain drinks (such as alcohol or caffeinated beverages) can inflame your throat too. Spicy food can also worsen matters, so try to stick to mild flavours when you have a sore throat. 

It should go without saying, but you should avoid smoking cigarettes too. There isn't much worse for your throat than smoke, so it’ll only exacerbate symptoms if you put down your vape in favour of a cigarette. 

Use Throat Lozenges

In addition to over-the-counter painkillers, throat lozenges can be a great way to relieve a sore throat. Go for the kind advertised for colds and flu, as these generally have the most relieving ingredients. Just ensure they don't contain anything that could negatively react to the pain relief you're already using.

Also, watch out for menthol as one of the listed ingredients. Though it might sound counterintuitive, menthol can actually make your throat feel worse if it's sore from vaping as opposed to an infection. 

Stay Well Rested

Finally, one of the best ways to cure a sore throat from vaping is to get plenty of rest. Resting is just a good idea for your health in general. When your body is well-rested, your immune system is stronger, and your throat can heal much faster. 

You should pay particular attention to your sleeping pattern. You should aim to get at least seven continuous hours each night for maximum benefits. Getting plenty of rest isn't just advisable for helping keep sore throats at bay; it's beneficial for your overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does a Sore Throat From Vaping Last?

How long a sore throat from vaping lasts really depends on how frequently you vape and how you react when your throat first starts to feel sore. If you simply continue to vape (or even smoke) and don't treat your throat in any way, it will only continue to feel worse as it has no chance to recover. 

Final Thoughts

It isn't uncommon for vapes to cause a sore throat, even if only a mild case, but it is also highly treatable. You can minimise sore throats associated with vaping by following the tips covered here, including using high-quality e-liquids, drinking plenty of fluids, and more. 

Utilising quality products is the best way to ensure a positive experience, so don't just go for the cheapest option. 

Are you looking for a reliable vape? Check out our collections of high-quality vape products at RELX today!

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