If vaping causes hiccups, then you aren’t the only one. This is commonly experienced by anyone who has been vaping for a few weeks. But have you wondered about the link between vaping and hiccups? If this pertinent question has been giving you sleepless nights, then you have come to the right place as today we are going to shed some light on this topic and also provide a viable solution to this common worry of vapers. Read on to know whether the hiccups are linked to the nicotine content in your e-cigarettes or some other reason like not using a proper vape kit!
The main reason behind hiccups
Nicotine is the main culprit behind vaping hiccups. However, this isn’t triggered by the vapor you inhale, rather it is caused as nicotine vapor condenses in your mouth and gets swallowed. Just like smoking, inhaling the vapor too quickly can cause hiccupping.
Nicotine & hiccups
When an excessive amount of nicotine enters our digestive system, our body perceives it as a potential threat and responds defensively. Our stomach swells temporarily on recognizing nicotine as a poison and this naturally triggers a hiccupping response in our diaphragm. Hiccups are a common phenomenon that can be seen in everyone irrespective of age or gender. Some other causes of hiccups are overeating spicy food, downing carbonated beverages like soda, swallowing air while chewing gum, etc. However, uncommon sources like vaping can be held responsible for short-term hiccups.
Hiccups & vaping
Nicotine is the main culprit exacerbating vaping hiccups. This is caused when you ingest nicotine while vaping rather than the vapor you inhale. The hiccups are usually triggered unwillingly when you swallow nicotine-rich vapor that has been condensed in the mouth. Taking quick draws on your vape is another factor contributing to hiccups.
5 Factors contributing to hiccups:
While vaping, some people hiccup more than others. Read on to know about the various factors which can worsen your hiccupping while vaping:
1. Extremely strong nicotine
High nicotine concentration in your vapor is a potent cause of vaping hiccups. This is commonly experienced by novice vapers who are just getting used to the feeling. Too strong vapor can cause coughs, sore throats, and ultimately nicotine hiccups if it finds its way down to your stomach.
Solution – New vapers are extra sensitive to vapor and they should initially avoid e-liquids that are stronger than 8-10mg. Once you get a hang of vaping at higher strength e-liquids sans the hiccup, you can slowly start cranking up your nicotine levels. Similarly, if you have been vaping for quite some time and start getting hiccups on vaping a high-strength juice, then you can consider bringing it down a notch.
2. Using incorrect base liquid or nicotine
Another pertinent cause of getting hiccups is using the wrong type of base or nicotine in your e-liquid. Modern-day e-liquids come in an assortment of flavors and with varying types of nicotine. You will find the latest e-liquid formulations containing softer “nic salts” rather than regular nicotine. The Nic salts feel smoother on the throat and aren’t likely to give you hiccups. Too much PG (propylene glycol) is another cause leading to nicotine hiccups. PG refers to an e-liquid dilutant and an additive that is commonly used in flood flavorings and other edible products. Though PG by itself won’t cause hiccupping, an excessive amount can lead to dehydration by drying out your throat. If you are experiencing mouth dryness, then this signifies that the nicotine staying in your mouth is more concentrated thus increasing the likeliness of having hiccups.
Solution – If you are new to vaping, then go for nicotine salts as they deliver a smoother throat hit and are also softer to inhale thus decreasing the chances of hiccups. Also, make sure to read the labels of pods or e-liquids to gauge their ingredients. You can go for a lower ratio like 50% on being sensitive to PG to check whether your hiccups persist. As a rule of thumb, e-liquids having higher VG ratios are kinder on the throat but lack the punch if you are after the throat hit. If your vape liquid is still giving your hiccups, then you can mix your e-liquid at home as this will offer greater scope to control the ingredients that go into your vape.
3. Vaping like a heavy smoker
When novice vapers start vaping too deeply, heavily, or quickly, this can escalate to hiccups as you will simply end up swallowing air. As a result, you are bound to have hiccups irrespective of the effects of nicotine. Often heavy or chain smokers fall into the trap of vaping like a smoker especially when they are craving nicotine from cigarettes. Constant or too quick vaping for getting the same effect can lead to hiccups.
Solution – Primarily, it is important to understand that vaping is different from smoking and you should inhale your e-cig like your regular fag. Take regular breaks between puffs by putting down your vape pod or pen for a while. Doing this will help get rid of the hiccups and also help you save massively on refills or vape pods.
4. Using incorrect vape device
Inexperienced vapers often experience hiccups on using a vape device that isn’t designed for the type of vaping that they originally intended it for. If you are making the transition from smoking, then it is of paramount importance to avoid high-power devices like “direct lung” kits, tanks, and mods. These powerful devices are meant for inhaling large volumes of low-strength vapor (6-8mg) directly into the lungs. If you suck on them like your regular vape pens, then more vapor will condense in your mouth thus accentuating the likeliness of hiccupping. Using direct lung vape kits alongside regular or high-strength e-liquid (12-18mg) might deteriorate the matter.
Solution – Check whether your device is too powerful for your needs. You will probably require a basic vape kit like a vape pod or pen if you’ve just started vaping. Coupled with this type of device, you can take gentle sucks with regular-strength e-liquid thus decreasing the chances of hiccups. If you are keen on using a high-power direct lunch device, then pair it up with a weaker e-liquid (or nic salt mix) to prevent hiccups.
5. Swallowing nicotine liquid by mistake
Another factor that can contribute to hiccups either during or immediately after vaping is accidentally swallowing a nicotine e-liquid drop. This mostly happens due to a leaky tank or pod vape. Another common cause is “spit back,” which happens when small drops of the e-liquid shoot into your mouth from a spitting coil or atomizer in your pod or tank while vaping at super high wattage.
Solution – Using “splash” guards with your vape tank or pen can prevent the e-liquid from splattering into your mouth and causing hiccups. You can get vape pens with built-in mesh splash guards to circumvent the hiccups problem. Another solution is to look for anti-leak features or guarantees in your vape pen or new tank product descriptions before placing the purchase order.
Conclusion
Vaping isn’t the sole cause behind nicotine hiccups. Anything with the nicotine content that you put in your mouth can lead to hiccups. Regardless of the delivery method, your stomach will react to high concentrations of any kind of nicotine. This is inclusive of replacement therapy aids like nicotine lozenges, gum, or sprays. The best way of stopping nicotine hiccups is drinking lots of cold water as this will settle your stomach to dilute all traces of nicotine that was ingested during vaping. It is important to understand that you don’t have to put up with hiccupping forever and can easily gain an edge over the same by trying out the solutions listed above.
