Why Does My Nose Burn After Exhaling Vape Out of It?

Vaping has become a popular alternative to smoking cigarettes for many people looking to quit or reduce their tobacco use. However, some vapers experience an irritating burning sensation in their nose after exhaling the vapor. This seemingly harmless side effect can be concerning and frustrating if you don't understand what's causing it. Let's explore more about why your nose burns after exhaling vape out of it and get the solution.

What Causes the Nose Burn After Exhaling Vape?

There are a few potential culprits that could be leading to that unpleasant burning feeling in your nostrils:

Ⅰ. Nicotine

Most vape juices contain nicotine, even if in small amounts. Nicotine is known to provide a tingling, peppery sensation when inhaled. For some, this effect is amplified when the vapor passes through the nasal cavity on the way out. The nasal lining is highly sensitive to irritation. Nicotine concentrations above 6 mg/mL are more likely to produce a burning feeling.

Ⅱ. Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol (PG) is a common vape liquid ingredient used to produce vapor. Although generally non-toxic, some people report throat or nasal irritation from PG. This may be due to an individual sensitivity. Higher PG ratios in e-liquid tend to correlate with increased nasal burning.

Ⅲ. Vegetable Glycerin

Vegetable glycerin (VG) is another typical vape juice ingredient. By itself, VG does not usually cause nasal irritation. However, some studies suggest VG may boost the throat-burning effect when combined with nicotine or flavorings. So the higher the VG ratio, the more likely nasal burning occurs.

Ⅳ. Flavorings

E-liquids contain popular food flavorings like cinnamon, citrus, mint, or spices. Many people will be concerned about the safety of adding food flavorings to e-liquids, as widely discussed on this Reddit thread. These are likely to aggravate nasal tissue when inhaled directly. Try switching flavors to see if one irritates you more than others. Avoid menthol, cinnamon, or citrus.

Ⅴ. Dehydration

Breathing dry air through dehydrated nasal passages basically irritates and dries out your nose further. Stay hydrated while vaping to avoid worsening the burning sensation upon exhalation. Drink water before and during vaping sessions.

Ⅵ. PG Allergy

A small percentage of people may have an actual allergy to PG, which shows up as nasal irritation, stuffiness, or headache after vaping. Check with your doctor if you suspect a PG allergy. Switching to 100% VG vape juice may help.

Ⅶ. Infection

An existing nasal infection, cold, sinusitis, or allergies can intensify any irritation from vaping. Avoid vaping until the infection clears up to prevent aggravating your symptoms. See an ENT specialist if problems persist after switching vape juices.

Tips to Prevent the Nose Burn

If your nose hurts every time you exhale vapor, try these tips to stop the burning:

A. Hydration and Its Importance

Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep your nasal passages moist and reduces the likelihood of experiencing a burning sensation, directly enhancing your vaping comfort and overall health.

B. Adjusting Nicotine Levels

Consider switching to a lower nicotine level, such as 3 mg/mL or lower, to significantly reduce nasal irritation, making your vaping sessions more enjoyable. Remember, finding the right nicotine balance is essential for satisfaction and comfort.

C. Optimizing PG/VG Ratios

Try using e-liquids with a higher VG ratio since higher VG blends are generally smoother and produce thicker vapor, which can help alleviate discomfort. Experimenting with different PG/VG ratios can lead to a more pleasant vaping experience.

D. Choosing the Right Flavors

Some flavors, especially spicy or mentholated ones containing menthol, cinnamon, citrus, or known irritants, are more likely to cause a burning sensation. It’s worth experimenting with different flavors, opt for milder flavors to find ones that are less irritating to your nasal passages and enhance your comfort while vaping.

E. Device Settings and Selection

Devices with higher wattage or temperature settings like sub-ohm vape devices can produce hotter vapor and cause nasal irritation. Consider using an e-cig with adjustable settings to control the temperature and vapor production for a less harsh hit. And lower-wattage devices like pods designed for cooler vapor production can also help minimize nasal discomfort.

F. Improving Breathing Techniques

Instead of exhaling vapor through your nose, try exhaling through your mouth and closing the nasal airway to limit vapor contact. If you prefer nasal exhales, do so gently to avoid pushing harsh vapor through your nasal passages too forcefully.

G. Using Nasal Saline Sprays

Regular use of nasal saline sprays can keep your nasal passages moist and comfortable, counteracting the drying effects of vaping and reducing irritation and discomfort. But avoid rewetting the nose immediately before inhaling.

H. Identifying Allergies

If you suspect allergies to specific ingredients in e-liquids, especially propylene glycol (PG), try using e-liquids with higher vegetable glycerin (VG) content or those specifically labeled hypoallergenic. Identifying and avoiding allergens can greatly improve your vaping experience.

I. Monitoring Puff Duration

Taking long, deep puffs can significantly increase the temperature of the vapor, leading to nasal irritation and discomfort, so please try taking shorter, gentler puffs to minimize this effect. Being mindful of your puff duration can help reduce irritation and make your vaping experience more pleasant.

J. Investing in Quality E-liquids

Invest in high-quality e-liquids from reputable vape brands contributing to a smoother, more comfortable vaping experience, as cheap or poorly made e-liquids can contain impurities that irritate your nasal passages.

K. Consulting a Doctor for Persistent Issues

If nasal burning persists despite making these changes, it’s advisable to consult an ENT specialist. Persistent irritation might indicate an underlying issue, such as an allergy or infection, that needs to be addressed.

When to Worry About Nasal Problems

Nasal irritation from vaping is typically minor and temporary. However recurrent or severe symptoms warrant medical advice. Seek help if you experience:

• Constant nosebleeds: If nosebleeds persist even after stopping vaping, it may indicate a more serious nasal health issue.
• Chronic nasal congestion: Prolonged congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose could signal a need for medical evaluation, as it can impact your respiratory function.
• Frequent sinus infections: If you develop repeated sinus infections, especially after vaping, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional to explore potential underlying causes.
• Reduced sense of smell: A significant decrease in smell detection or a general loss of smell should be addressed with medical attention, as it could be related to nasal inflammation or other conditions.
• Facial pain or pressure: Persistent pain or pressure around the nasal area should not be ignored, as it may indicate an ongoing problem requiring medical assessment.
• Swollen nasal passages: Inflamed or swollen nasal passages, accompanied by discomfort or difficulty breathing, warrant medical attention, as they could indicate an underlying condition needing prompt treatment.
• Postnasal drip: If you frequently feel mucus dripping down your throat, it could be a result of nasal irritation from vaping. Consulting a healthcare professional can help determine the cause and find suitable relief.

Experiencing any of these symptoms suggests a possible underlying illness or newly triggered allergy due to vaping. Prioritizing your well-being and seeking medical evaluation is crucial for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Healthy Nose Tips for Vapers

To keep your nasal membranes healthy as a vaper:

• Drink lots of water every day

• Don’t put vaporizers right up to your nose

• Gently blow your nose after vaping to clear irritation

• Use a humidifier at home and work

• Avoid breathing cold dry air outdoors

• Don’t vape if you have a respiratory infection

• Maintain clean equipment and wash hands before handling devices

• Replace vape coils regularly to prevent buildup of residue

• See an ENT doctor annually for checkups

Following these simple nose health tips can help minimize discomfort and prevent more serious nasal issues when vaping. Never worry about your nasal problem when enjoying SKE Crystal Bar, SKE Crystal S5000, and other SKE Vapes.

In summary, a burning nose after vaping usually stems from temporary irritation of the sensitive nasal lining. Avoiding dehydration, high nicotine, PG, irritating flavors, and improper inhalation techniques can help prevent this unpleasant sensation. See a doctor if nasal problems become severe or chronic. With some minor adjustments, you can continue vaping without discomfort.

FAQs

Q1: Why do some vape juices make my nose burn more than others?

Higher nicotine, PG, and added flavorings tend to irritate the nose more. These ingredients vary widely between e-juice brands and flavors.

Q2: Does nasal burning mean I have damaged my nose permanently?

Not necessarily. Temporary mild nasal irritation from vaping is common and not serious. But frequent burning could indicate an allergy or infection needing medical help.

Q3: Will nasal burning eventually go away on its own if I keep vaping?

Possibly, if you avoid irritating vape juice ingredients. However, ongoing burning likely signals a sensitivity requiring an e-liquid change. Don’t wait and hope it resolves on its own.

Q4: Can vaping cause chronic sinusitis?

In rare cases, people may develop chronic sinus inflammation due to an allergy or reaction to vaping. See an ENT specialist to rule out sinusitis if nasal burning persists despite vape adjustments.

Q5: What is the best way to inhale and exhale when vaping to avoid nose irritation?

Close off your nasal airways when hitting your vape, inhaling into the mouth instead. Then exhale through the mouth instead of the nose to reduce vapor contact with nasal passages.