Why Does Vaping Make Me Feel Sick?
The most common causes of nausea from vaping and what you can do about each one.
Shop E-Liquids Browse Pod KitsQuick answer: Feeling sick after vaping is usually caused by too much nicotine, vaping technique, sensitivity to propylene glycol, or dehydration. It is common when starting out and typically improves once you find the right nicotine strength and style for you.
Nausea after vaping is one of the most common complaints from new vapers, and it also affects experienced vapers who change their device, e-liquid or habits. Understanding the cause is the first step to fixing it.
Common Causes at a Glance
| Cause | Who it affects most | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Too much nicotine | New vapers, anyone switching to stronger liquid | Lower the nicotine strength or vape less frequently |
| Wrong vaping technique | Smokers new to vaping | Use mouth-to-lung technique, not direct lung inhales |
| PG sensitivity | Some individuals have a sensitivity to PG | Switch to a high-VG e-liquid |
| Dehydration | Anyone vaping regularly without drinking enough water | Drink more water throughout the day |
| Vaping on an empty stomach | Morning vapers, those who skip meals | Eat before vaping or reduce session length |
| Overheating coil or burnt hit | Anyone with a worn coil or dry hit | Replace the coil, prime it properly before use |
Nicotine Overdose: The Most Common Cause
Nicotine sickness is real and it is the single most common reason vaping makes people feel nauseous. Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, headache, sweating and a general feeling of being unwell. These are classic signs of consuming more nicotine than your body is used to.
This happens most often when someone switches from cigarettes to a high-strength nic salt (20mg) and vapes it as frequently as they smoked. A cigarette delivers nicotine over 5 to 10 minutes, but a vape can deliver nicotine continuously throughout the day. Nic salts in particular are absorbed very efficiently, making it easy to overshoot your normal intake.
Nicotine strength guide: which strength suits which user
Higher strengths increase nausea risk if overused. Start lower and work up if needed.
Vaping Technique: Are You Inhaling Correctly?
Smokers are used to inhaling smoke directly into their lungs (direct lung inhale). Most vapes designed for beginners and nicotine delivery are intended to be used mouth-to-lung (MTL), meaning you draw the vapour into your mouth first, then inhale into the lungs. Using a mouth-to-lung device with a direct lung technique delivers too much vapour and nicotine at once, which can cause nausea and dizziness.
PG Sensitivity
A small number of people have a sensitivity or mild allergy to propylene glycol. Symptoms can include nausea, throat irritation, headaches and in some cases a skin reaction. If you feel unwell consistently with any e-liquid regardless of nicotine strength, switching to a max-VG liquid is worth trying. If symptoms persist, speak with your GP.
Quick Fixes to Try
- Reduce your nicotine strength: try dropping to the next level down
- Drink a glass of water before and during your vaping sessions
- Eat something before you vape, particularly in the morning
- Use shorter puffs and take breaks between sessions
- Switch to a higher VG liquid if you suspect PG sensitivity
- Check your coil: a burnt or overused coil can cause nausea from degraded liquid
When to see a GP: If nausea persists after adjusting your vaping habits, or is accompanied by chest pain, severe headaches or breathing difficulties, speak with a GP. These may be unrelated to vaping and worth investigating.