If you’re a vaper, you’ve probably heard about PG allergies. But what are they? And what can you do to help manage them?
PG, or propylene glycol, is a common ingredient in vaping liquids. Some people are allergic to it, and when they vape, they experience various symptoms. These range from a simple itch to something more severe, like swelling and hives.
There are a few ways to tell if you have a PG allergy. The most common symptoms include skin irritation, throat irritation, and chest tightness. If you experience these symptoms after vaping, you may be allergic to PG.
How to Tell if You Have a PG Allergy
If you are experiencing any adverse symptoms after vaping, you may have a PG allergy. The most common symptoms of a PG allergy are throat irritation, a sore or dry throat, and a metallic taste in the mouth. Suppose you are vaping fruit flavours that have been known to cause an allergy in some vaping enthusiasts. In that case, your olfactory senses may be affected, causing a runny nose and sneezing.
What is PG?
Propylene glycol (PG) is a petroleum by-product, a colourless, odourless, and tasteless liquid used as a solvent in many pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and foods.
Why Is There PG in E-Liquids?
Propylene glycol is used in vaping to give a ‘throat hit’ that some people claim resembles the sensation of smoking tobacco., PG is also an effective carrier of flavour concentrates and nicotine because it’s safe, non-toxic and reliable. It also helps that PG doesn’t compete with or cover up flavours like other carriers such as vegetable glycerin can do, meaning your actual flavour gets showcased instead!
What are the symptoms of a PG allergy?
A Dry or Sore Throat
It is important to note that while one in ten new vapers may experience some minor irritation from PG, many will find this goes away after they’ve developed their tolerance. Both PG and VG can also bring about dry or sore throats. Fortunately, there’s an easy solution: drinking plenty of water.
Sinus Problems
Nasal issues such as sinus infection or trouble breathing can cause discomfort for some vapers, although this is rare. PG allergy symptoms include difficulty breathing, snoring (or gasping for breath), and trouble smelling, tingling or burning sensation.
Skin Problems and Rashes
Vaping may be unpleasant due to skin conditions such as rashes and irritation. Even for those without a PG allergy, vaping can bring about dryness or a slight rash on the face, neck, or elsewhere on the body. An allergic reaction may also include reddening of the skin and itchiness. You may wish to see a doctor if your symptoms get worse instead of better after eliminating PG from the product you are using!
Swollen Gums
PG is safe for most people, but it’s still worth checking in with your dentist if you experience your gums swelling up or tenderness to the touch. Notice that your gums are swollen and tender when chewing solids. This could be a telltale sign of an allergy to propylene glycol. Unlike other common symptoms such as the flu or cold, there isn’t much else that will mimic these PG sensitivities.
What to Do If You Have a PG Allergy
If you have a PG allergy, you can do a few things to help reduce your symptoms. First, try vaping a lower PG e-liquid. PG is more likely to cause skin and throat irritation than VG. You can also try vaping a higher nicotine vape juice. This is because nicotine can help reduce throat irritation. Finally, you can also try vaping a mentholated e-liquid. Mentholated e-liquids often help reduce throat irritation.
Why You Might Have Developed an Allergy To PG
There are a few reasons you might have developed an allergy to PG. One is that you may be allergic to the propylene glycol itself.
Another possibility is that you’re allergic to one of the additives in PG-based e-liquids. Finally, it’s also possible that you’re reacting to the flavourings in PG-based e-liquids. If you’re allergic to any of these ingredients, you’ll need to find an e-liquid that doesn’t contain them.
