Why do some smokers cough when they switch to vaping?
Coughing during your first few puffs is a common phenomenon caused by the transition phase between tobacco smoke and vapor, which don't affect the throat in the same way. Unlike combustible cigarettes, which contain numbing agents to mask irritation, vapor is more "honest" and can surprise your bronchial cilia as they wake up after years of heavy tarring.
This reaction is also often explained by improperly adjusted equipment or a propylene glycol level that is too high for your current sensitivity. By adjusting your inhalation technique—usually longer and gentler than with a cigarette—and your nicotine dosage, these coughing fits generally disappear within a few days. Taming the way you vape is an essential step in transforming that rough first contact into a smooth and comfortable experience.