5 Signs You Have a PG Allergy & One Fantastic Alternative

Propylene glycol (PG) is a safe food additive found in most e-liquids. However, for anyone with a PG allergy, these e-liquids can cause some adverse reactions. This article will explore the symptoms of a PG allergy or intolerance and offer the perfect alternative.

What is Propylene Glycol (PG)?

Propylene Glycol (PG) is a food additive. It has been used in food and medicine for more than a century. It’s safe to ingest and non-toxic; additionally, it’s:

• colourless
• odourless
• almost tasteless

We say it’s almost tasteless because it actually has a faintly sweet taste.

PG is used across the food and medical industries because of its excellent variety of properties. PG can be used as a:

• solvent
• preservative
• moisture preserver
• emulsifier

Why is PG used in E-Liquids?

Most E-Liquids contain a mix of both Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG), alongside some flavourings and nicotine. The most common ratio is:

A.) 70% PG/ 30% VG or B.) 50% PG / 30% VG.

There are a few reasons why producers use PG in E-Liquids.

1. PG provides throat hit

PG provides a throat hit that replicates the sensation of smoking a cigarette. This satisfying feeling can help people when they are trying to quit smoking.

2. It carries flavours well

PG is more soluble than VG. Essentially, it allows for more flavours to be dissolved in E-Liquid. This quality means that it can hold more flavours.

Additionally, it has a lower boiling point than VG. It’s thought that this could contribute to the slightly better flavour.

3. It’s thinner than VG

Because PG is thinner than VG, some coils find it easier to absorb.

It’s clear that PG has many great qualities that help produce e-liquid. However, these pluses don’t add up to much if you have a PG allergy or sensitivity.

But how do you know you have a PG allergy or sensitivity? Check out these five signs.

Is PG Allergy the Same as Intolerance or Sensitivity?

PG is so widely used in food and medicine that a true PG allergy is something you’d likely be aware of long before you had your first vape. Most adverse reactions to PG in vaping are actually related to a PG intolerance or sensitivity.

However, intolerances or sensitivities are still uncomfortable to live with. Additionally, because people use these terms interchangeably, we’ll group them under “allergy” for the sake of brevity.

5 Signs That You Have an Allergy

#1. A Dry or Sore Throat

About 10% of new vapers will have a sensitivity to PG. This sensitivity can present itself as a dry throat. Another common symptom is mild irritation in the upper respiratory tract.

For some people, this sensitivity is temporary. It can last for a few days or weeks. However, if it remains for a while, it could be a sign of a PG allergy.

However, a sore or dry throat isn’t always a sure sign of a PG allergy. All e-liquids can cause dehydration. So, your first step should be to drink water regularly and see if the symptoms subside.

Other factors that could cause a sore throat while vaping are higher strength nicotine e-liquids and even burnt coils.

#2. Swollen Gums

Swollen gums are another potential sign of a PG allergy. This problem can be the result of inflammation. It’s a relatively rare side effect whose symptoms are soreness or swelling of the gums. If you notice these symptoms, it’s worth speaking to your doctor or dentist.

#3. Skin Irritation

Skin irritation is one of the more common reactions that affect people with PG allergy or intolerance. Some people report that vaping can dry out their skin, which is why consuming plenty of water while you vape is essential.

Some signs of vaping-related skin irritation are dryness, rashes, itchiness, or hives. Additionally, some people report flaky skin.

It’s important to note that these symptoms can take a while to show. On top of that, many people experience skin irritation due to environment, genetics, diet, etc. So pinpointing them as the result of vaping isn’t always easy.

#4. Sinus Issues

High PG ratio E-Liquids can also cause minor sinus-related problems. These symptoms are characterized as a faint burning or tingling sensation in the sinus or nose.

However, some new vapers can temporarily experience these sensations when they quit cigarettes, too.

#5. Headaches

Headaches are another sign of PG allergies. These headaches can be in the form of pressure, a slight pain at the back of the neck, or pain around the sinus area. Other people say that they experience closer to the eyes.

Again, it’s not easy to know that a PG allergy or sensitivity is the culprit. It could be dehydration or even a reaction to specific flavours. Needless to say, if you are experiencing bad headaches, it’s worth speaking to a doctor.

How Can I Tell the Difference Between an Allergy and “Quitter’s Flu?”

Cigarettes take an enormous toll on the body. As a result, when people quit, it can trigger different reactions. It’s common for people to experience withdrawals when they stop smoking, which can manifest itself in what is commonly called “Quitter’s Flu”.

Quitter’s Flu is the term given to a group of symptoms that occur as your body withdraws from cigarettes. A cough, sinus issues, body aches, and even a fever and other discomforts can present themselves during this adjustment period.

So, if you’ve just quit smoking to start vaping, you could be experiencing withdrawals rather than a PG allergy.

The good news is that most people don’t experience these issues. Additionally, the symptoms usually pass in a few days for those who do.

What To Do If You Suspect You Have a PG Allergy or Sensitivity

If you’ve noticed some of the above signs, don’t worry. It doesn’t mean you have to give up vaping or return to cigarettes. Thankfully, some E-Liquids are free of Propylene Glycol, like Frugi’s All Natural or PG Free shortfill E-Liquids.

Firstly, replacing your PG E-Liquids with VG alternatives is an excellent way to tell if you have allergies or intolerance. If the symptoms persist after a few days, it’s most likely something else.

However, if your symptoms vanish, it’s likely the PG was at fault. And if you’ve got a PG allergy, then VG E-Liquids are the perfect replacement.

Which Devices are Best for 100% VG E-liquids?

We covered this in-depth in another article, Best Coils for 100% VG E-Liquids, so you can give that one a read if you’re looking for more information on the topic.

If you’re going to vape 100% VG E-Liquids, you’ll need to get the right equipment. A sub-ohm or direct-to-lung vaping kit is going to be your best bet.

100% VG E-Liquids are far thicker than ones with PG, which can make them take longer to absorb into the coil. As a result, it can also clog your coil and shorten its lifespan.

Sub-ohm or DTL starter kits are the best choices for sub-ohm vapers.

Summary

About one in every ten vapers has an intolerance to PG E-Liquids. This sensitivity can manifest itself through various symptoms like skin irritation, a sore throat, headaches, or swollen gums.

If you experience any of these side effects, you should try VG liquids. But remember, allergies are quite rare; intolerances or sensitivities are more common.

One of the issues that people have with VG E-Liquids is their reputation for not holding flavours. However, Frugi’s 100% VG range is demolishing this misconception by proving that you can get a fantastic taste from your PG Free vape juice.