How Do You Know If Your Vaping Is Wrong?

September 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), e-cigarettes are not harmless, and the aerosol is a complex mixture of potentially harmful substances. When your vaping experience feels off—a burnt taste, constant coughing, or feeling unwell—it's a critical signal that something is wrong. Knowing the warning signs is the first step toward correcting the issue or seeking help.

Quick Summary

Recognizing improper vaping involves identifying physical symptoms like persistent coughing or nausea, device malfunctions such as leaking or a burnt taste, and signs of nicotine overconsumption like dizziness or rapid heart rate, all of which indicate potential health and safety risks.

Key Points

Device Malfunction: A burnt taste, leaks, or poor vapor production often signals an issue with your coil, tank, or battery connections that requires maintenance.
Incorrect Inhalation Technique: Persistent coughing or a harsh throat hit may indicate you're using the wrong inhalation method (MTL vs. DTL) for your device, affecting your vaping experience.
Signs of Nicotine Overdose: Dizziness, nausea, and an increased heart rate can point to consuming too much nicotine, suggesting you should reduce your nicotine concentration.
Respiratory Symptoms: Shortness of breath, chest pain, and a lingering cough are serious warning signs that require attention and possibly medical advice.
Overheating Device: If your vape gets excessively hot during use, it could be a sign of a faulty battery. Discontinue use immediately to prevent safety risks.
Gastrointestinal Distress: Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can be linked to excessive nicotine or chemical exposure, and may be a symptom of a more serious condition like EVALI.
The Need to Quit: If you find yourself unable to stop or are constantly worried about your habits, it's a sign of addiction that may require support to overcome.

Understanding the Signs of Vaping Issues

Your body and your device often give clear indicators when something isn't right with your vaping habits. These signs can be broken down into three main categories: physical symptoms from nicotine consumption or chemical exposure, improper usage techniques, and problems with the vape device itself. Paying attention to these signals is vital for both your health and safety.

Physical Symptoms and Health Concerns

Overuse or inhalation of certain substances can lead to a range of physical side effects, from mild irritation to serious illness. Acknowledge these symptoms and consider consulting a healthcare professional if they persist or worsen.

Signs of Excessive Nicotine Intake

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance, and consuming too much, too quickly can lead to a condition often called 'nic-sickness,' or nicotine poisoning. Symptoms can manifest quickly, from 15 minutes to an hour after exposure, and include:

Nausea and vomiting
Headaches and dizziness
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Stomach ache or cramping
Confusion, anxiety, or restlessness

Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Issues

Constant inhalation of aerosol can irritate your respiratory and digestive systems. These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for a common cold or flu, so it's important to recognize the patterns associated with vaping:

Persistent cough or chronic bronchitis
Shortness of breath or chest pain
Dry mouth, throat, and eyes
Diarrhea or abdominal pain
Fever, chills, or fatigue

Signs of Vaping-Related Lung Injury (EVALI)

Though cases have declined since the 2019 outbreak, a serious lung illness known as EVALI (e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury) remains a risk, and it can be fatal. Symptoms include:

Rapid, shallow breathing
Chest tightness and pain
Severe cough
Fever and chills
Gastrointestinal distress like vomiting and diarrhea

Improper Vaping Technique

The way you use your device can significantly impact your experience and health. Correcting your technique can resolve common issues like a burnt taste or insufficient vapor production.

Direct-to-Lung (DTL) vs. Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) Inhalation

Many beginners make the mistake of using a DTL device with an MTL technique, and vice-versa, which can cause discomfort. The correct method depends on your device's design:

MTL: Draw vapor into your mouth first, then inhale it into your lungs. This is best for smaller devices with high-resistance coils and higher nicotine. Incorrectly attempting a DTL draw on an MTL device can lead to a harsh throat hit.
DTL: Inhale vapor directly into your lungs in one smooth motion, similar to a hookah. This is suited for sub-ohm devices with low-resistance coils and lower nicotine. Using a high-nicotine liquid for DTL can result in excessive nicotine intake and a cough.

Improper Device Settings and Habits

Other technical errors stem from incorrect usage habits:

Vaping too frequently: Chain vaping without breaks can overheat your coil and cause a burnt taste. Your wick needs time to re-saturate with e-liquid.
Incorrect power settings: If your wattage is too high for your coil, it will burn the wick. If it's too low, you'll get poor vapor production. Each coil has a recommended wattage range.
Improper storage: Storing your device horizontally can cause e-liquid to flood the airflow channels, leading to leaks or spitting.

Device Malfunctions and Faults

Sometimes the problem lies with the equipment. Faulty hardware is not only frustrating but can also be dangerous.

Common Device Issues and Their Causes

Burnt taste: The coil is likely burnt out and needs replacing. This can be caused by low e-liquid levels, chain vaping, or incorrect wattage settings.
Leaking tank: Common culprits include worn-out O-rings, overfilling the tank, improper coil installation, or leaving the airflow open when filling.
No vapor production: This could indicate a dead battery, a faulty coil, or a connection issue between the battery and the atomizer. Checking the connections and charge level is the first step.
Overheating: If your device gets excessively hot, it may have a battery issue. Stop using it immediately and check for swelling or damage.

Comparison: Signs of Improper Vaping


Sign of Trouble	Cause	Solution
Burnt taste	Dry hit, old coil, incorrect wattage	Replace coil, prime properly, use correct power setting.
Persistent coughing	Incorrect inhalation, too much nicotine, wrong PG/VG ratio	Adjust technique, lower nicotine strength, change e-liquid.
Nausea or headache	Nicotine overdose, excessive use	Reduce nicotine strength, take breaks, consult doctor.
Leaking device	Worn seals, overfilled tank, coil not screwed in properly	Replace O-rings, check fill lines, tighten coil.
Poor vapor production	Low power setting, low battery, worn coil, blocked airflow	Increase wattage, charge device, replace coil, clean airflow.
Device overheating	Faulty battery, chain vaping, charging issues	Stop use, inspect battery, charge correctly.

Seeking Help and Further Information

Recognizing that something is wrong is the first step. If you are experiencing serious symptoms or are concerned about addiction, seeking professional medical advice is crucial. For resources on quitting or learning more about vaping's effects, authoritative organizations provide valuable information. For additional resources and support, you can visit the American Lung Association website.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Your Well-being

Vaping is not a risk-free alternative to smoking, and proper usage is essential for minimizing harm. By being aware of your body's signals, troubleshooting device issues, and understanding proper technique, you can better protect your health. If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, do not ignore them. Your health is the top priority, and reliable resources are available to help you make informed decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

A burnt taste is a clear sign that something is wrong. It can be caused by a dry hit, where the wick material isn't fully saturated with e-liquid, or by using a coil that is old or has been used at too high a wattage setting. Replacing the coil and properly priming the new one is the typical solution.

Yes, consuming too much nicotine can lead to what's known as 'nic-sickness.' Symptoms include nausea, headaches, dizziness, and a rapid heartbeat. If you experience these, consider using an e-liquid with a lower nicotine concentration.

Leaks are a common problem with several potential causes. These include worn-out or damaged O-rings, overfilling the tank, improper coil installation, or storing the device on its side. Inspecting the seals and ensuring proper assembly can often resolve this.

The correct inhalation depends on your device type. For mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices, it should be a two-step process similar to a cigarette. For direct-to-lung (DTL) devices, it should be a smooth, deep inhale directly into the lungs.

Some coughing can be normal for beginners as their lungs adjust to the vapor, but persistent coughing can signal a problem. This might be due to incorrect technique, too high a nicotine level, or an improper PG/VG ratio in your e-liquid.

If your device is overheating, stop using it immediately. This could indicate a serious battery problem. Check for any swelling or damage to the battery and ensure you are using the correct charger and not overcharging it.

Besides a burnt taste, other signs that your coil is failing include reduced vapor production, muted or diminished flavor, or a gurgling sound coming from the tank.

Symptoms of EVALI can include a severe cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, and gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea. If you experience any of these, especially after vaping, seek medical attention immediately.