I don't know why it is, but I find when I drip I suck down water like crazy. Dripping dehydrates me at the speed of light compared to using cartos. I have no clue why it's like that, or if others experience is the same. So I would suggest keeping water next to your ego. As to the harsh hits, are you using a regular atty? Any chance you could have gotten an LR atty by mistake? Assuming the atty came with the ego, so its probably SR, then I would say it might be the way you're inhaling. Try taking smaller hits and see if that helps the
throat. If you're dragging air in at the same time you're sucking on the ego you will get a harsh hit. Drag on the ego with your lips tight on it, then open your mouth and inhale the vapor. I have no clue if this is your issue, but if so hopefully it'll help.