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PG, or propylene glycol, is one of the key ingredients in most e-liquids you see on the market today. It’s colourless, odourless, near-tasteless, non-toxic, and recognised as a safe ingredient by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
PG is also used in a wide variety of products, such as dried soups, cake mix, popcorn, dressings, dairy products, and more.
As it is present in so many different products, it’s highly improbable that you’ll uncover a hidden allergy to PG as soon as you start vaping. It would have likely presented itself long before then.
However, there’s no harm in learning what to expect from a PG allergy and why PG was put in e-liquid for vape products in the first place.
Why Is There PG in E-Liquids?
There are many different reasons why e-liquid manufacturers decided to put PG into their products, above and beyond it being because it’s safe, non-toxic, and FDA-approved. It’s an ideal carrier liquid, and its lack of flavour allows the actual e-liquid flavours to shine through.
What’s more, PG is known for providing a throat hit. This is something people transitioning from smoking to vaping crave, making it easier for them to kick the habit for good and swap to a much safer alternative.
A Dry or Sore Throat From PG
Some sources state that around one in ten new vapers have a slight sensitivity to PG. As a result, they may notice minor irritation in their upper respiratory tract and a dry throat. Many vapers notice that this symptom fades over time due to their new tolerance for vaping.
However, it’s not uncommon to experience a dry or sore throat while vaping without having any sensitivities. Both PG and VG can cause dehydration. By drinking plenty of water, you may be able to keep throat dryness and soreness at bay.
Burnt coils can also lead to a sore throat, as can high-strength e-liquids that you’re not used to or haven’t tried before.
Sinus Problems
While rare, some people can experience minor sinus-related issues due to vaping e-liquids with high PG ratios. You may notice a tingling or burning sensation in your nose or sinuses as you vape. This can be a sign that you’re particularly sensitive to PG.
However, it can also be a sign that you’re experiencing quitter’s flu after giving up smoking. We’ll cover this in greater detail further down.
Skin Problems and Rashes
If you have experienced rashes and skin problems while consuming and using other products with PG in it, then it’s highly likely that you may experience similar reactions while using PG vape products.
Dryness, itching, rashes, and hives, may all signal an allergy or sensitivity. Depending on its severity, you may wish to see a doctor to rule out anything potentially serious.
Swollen Gums
Experiencing any kind of reaction to PG is rare, so you can expect that swollen gums is not that common either. However, if you notice any pain or swelling in your gums while vaping, talk to your local vape experts about the likelihood of vape e-liquid sensitivities. To be on the safe side, consult your doctor for advice.
What to Do If You’re Sensitive to PG
PG sensitivities may be rare, but they do happen. If you’ve given your body time to adjust to the big change from smoking to vaping, and you’re still experiencing symptoms, you’ve got options.
Your chosen vape products supplier may recommend vegetable glycerin (VG) based e-liquid or selecting vape juice with a higher VG to PG ratio. Pu a few drops of PG on the back of your hand and look out for a skin reaction. This can often confirm what you’ve already been thinking.
It’s Not Always An Allergy
Even though some of your symptoms may point to a PG allergy, that’s not always the case. More often than not, smokers using vape products as smoking cessation tools are experiencing nicotine withdrawals.
Known as the quitter’s flu, it’s not uncommon for you to feel like you have sinusitis, a cough, a slight fever, malaise, and body aches. The sudden quitting of smoking may trigger an immune response in your body. In most situations, symptoms persist for 1-3 days, then disappear. Many people notice they can vape quite comfortably once those initial symptoms pass.
If your symptoms do persist, you may also be experiencing a genuine cold or flu. Consider refraining from vaping during this time, as it may prolong your illness.
Talk to Vaping Experts
Vape shop workers have seen it all. They have been working in the industry long enough to understand the likely discomforts new vapers face and solve some of the most common problems.
If you’re not happy with your latest e-liquid of choice, don’t be afraid to contact vape liquid stockists online. They will be more than happy to provide you with some information about what you can do next.
FAQs
What does PG stand for, and how is it used in vapes?
PG stands for propylene glycol, and it is used in e-liquids as a carrier for flavour and nicotine and to produce vapour when heated by an e-cigarette or vaporiser.
What are some potential symptoms of a PG allergy when vaping?
Symptoms of PG allergy can include skin irritation, rash, itching, swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness.