Vaping FAQs

does vaping cause allergic reactions

by Tony Tromp Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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The most common culprit in vape allergic reactions is propylene glycol

Propylene glycol

Propylene glycol is an organic compound with the chemical formula CH₃CH(OH)CH₂OH. It is a viscous, colorless liquid which is nearly odorless but possesses a faintly sweet taste. Containing two alcohol groups, it is classed as a diol. It is miscible with a broad range of solvents, includin…

(PG), a commonly used base in vape juice. PG can cause allergic symptoms ranging from a scratchy throat to sinus problems, headaches, and even feelings of nausea. In extreme cases, PG can even cause numbness in the face and tongue as well as swelling and redness in these areas.

The most common culprit in vape allergic reactions is propylene glycol (PG), a commonly used base in vape juice. PG can cause allergic symptoms ranging from a scratchy throat to sinus problems, headaches, and even feelings of nausea.

Full Answer

Can you get a skin allergy from vaping?

Skin Problems and rashes – about one in every 5000 vapers are very sensitive to PG and have a true allergy. They will experience a range of problems with their skin which could range from severe itching to extreme dryness, hives and rashes.

What are the side effects of an allergic reaction?

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heartbeat

What causes swelling in the face after an allergic reaction?

What causes facial swelling?

  • Infectious causes. ...
  • Allergies. ...
  • Other causes. ...
  • Allergic reaction (not life-threatening) When the body encounters a harmful substance, it responds with inflammation and swelling that can be protective.
  • Salivary duct stone (sialolithiasis) A salivary duct stone is the most common disorder of the salivary glands (where you make spit). ...
  • Skin abscess. ...
  • Cellulitis. ...

More items...

How to soothe an allergic reaction to face lotion?

  • Wash the product off your face with cold water or use a cold compress to soothe some of that stinging feeling.
  • Apply an over-the-counter 1 percent hydrocortisone cream to help manage the itchiness.
  • Take an oral antihistamine to help treat the itchiness.
  • Stop using the product!

How is Vaping Associated with Allergies?

What is Vape Lung?

Are Sinus Infections Caused by Vaping?

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How do you know if you're allergic to vape?

Symptoms of a nicotine allergyheadache.wheezing.stuffy nose.watery eyes.sneezing.coughing.rash.

Can you have allergic reaction to vaping?

Some people are allergic to the propylene glycol that is used as the base for most e-liquids, Ashack said. Those folks could develop a rash from exposure. The nickel contained in the device's heating element also can cause a rash, the researchers said.

Can vaping cause skin reaction?

Some substances in e-liquids can cause skin problems. For example, propylene glycol causes dry skin. Some people are also allergic to propylene glycol, and can develop a rash from exposure. Others suffer from nickel allergy, which causes skin rashes and lip swelling.

What does a nicotine allergy look like?

It has been reported that in some cases nicotine can cause allergic reactions and signs may include: breathing difficulties, swelling of tongue or throat, hives.

How do I know if I'm allergic to propylene glycol?

This contact allergy may cause your skin to react when it is exposed to this substance although it may take several days for the symptoms to appear. Typical symptoms include redness, swelling, itching, and fluid-filled blisters.

Can vaping give you hives?

Many of the liquids used for vaping containe propylene glycol, a known skin allergen. In addition, many contain fruit and spice flavorings such as strawberry, mint and berry extracts that are know irritants on the skin and possibly can also produce hives and a systemic reaction.

Why does vaping make me itchy?

"Vaping contains lots of chemicals and nicotine which come in contact with our skin. This may cause the skin to become dry or flaky," she says. "It can also aggravate those with naturally dry skin by making it patchy and sometimes itchy.

Is vaping worse than smoking?

1: Vaping is less harmful than smoking, but it's still not safe. E-cigarettes heat nicotine (extracted from tobacco), flavorings and other chemicals to create an aerosol that you inhale. Regular tobacco cigarettes contain 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic.

What are side effects of vaping?

The most commonly-reported adverse effects were throat/mouth irritation, headache, cough, and nausea, which tended to dissipate with continued use....The most common side effects of vaping include:coughing.dry mouth and throat.shortness of breath.mouth and throat irritation.headaches.

Why does vaping make me itchy?

"Vaping contains lots of chemicals and nicotine which come in contact with our skin. This may cause the skin to become dry or flaky," she says. "It can also aggravate those with naturally dry skin by making it patchy and sometimes itchy.

Can vaping give you hives?

Some people are allergic to the propylene glycol that is used as the base for most e-liquids, Ashack said. Those folks could develop a rash from exposure. The nickel contained in the device's heating element also can cause a rash, the researchers said.

How do you treat propylene glycol allergy?

As with other contact allergies, once propylene glycol has been identified as a culprit allergen, education and avoidance are the cornerstone of treatment. Active dermatitis may be treated with: Emollients. Topical steroids.

pretty sure vaping is causing some pretty serious sinus infections and ...

i have been having some pretty bad side effects from vaping. constant sinus issues (blood and all). and a very itchy scratchy infected throat and esophagus. went to doctor said it was a sinus infection and my lymphnodes are swollen. didnt tell him about vaping, figured he wouldnt know if it was causing it or he would automatically say thats whats causing it. i have been taking antibiotics and ...

Sinus problems when vaping. Anyone else get this?

I've read quite a bit, most of it personal opinions, concerning congestion and sinus reactions to vapers. When I first stsrted vaping, I use the NO2, I too got the same results and It concerned because using this method is the only real choice for being healthy, that and eating your herb.

Does Vaping Cause Nasal Congestion? : r/Vaping

Does anyone else get congested after using their vape frequently? My nose will be completely clear during work when I’m not using it and as soon as I get in the car and start vaping it slowly gets worse as the night goes on.

Vaping and Sinusitis | E-Cigarette Forum

Hello, I have been vaping for about 2 or 3 months and since yesterday I'm having sinus headache, not sure if it is related to vaping, so far I have only vaped PG (dark chocolate for JC and Menthol from TW). The thing is that I (almost) always...

Could your e-cigarette trigger deadly allergic reactions?

VAPING e-cigarettes could trigger deadly allergic reactions and “chemical” asthma, experts have warned. Ingredients used to flavour e-liquids could aggravate the body’s immune sys…

What are Vaping’s Effects on Allergies?

It’s believed that vaping can increase inflammation & disable the immune function in your lungs. This means your body might not fight off allergens as effectively as it would otherwise. As of yet, there is no evidence to suggest that vaping will worsen or produce new allergy symptoms in a patient.

How Is Smoking Dangerous?

First off, let’s just state unequivocally that burning tobacco to inhale your nicotine is absolutely terrible for your health. We don’t feel like there’s much more to have to argue, but we can cite really smart groups if you’d like:

Is Vaping Dangerous?

Now, some of the alarmists will point to the most recent recorded deaths back during the summer of 2019 to how dangerous vaping is. They might even call it “e-cigarette vaping associated lung injury,” or EVALI. They will want to ban EVALI completely and be satisfied with themselves for ridding the world of one more irritant. Given that the nature of longitudinal medical research is slow, measured, and dragging, it means some of our immediate outrage and fright to this new trend might end up being empirically untrue.

When is something suspected as a respiratory allergen?

They found when something is suspected as a respiratory allergen, the concentration at which it could be used safely is too low for the ingredient to provide any flavour.

Why is it important to tell people about allergens in a product?

Dr Costigan said: "No two people have the same immune response, which is why it is important to tell people about allergens in a product even if all your data says most people shouldn't experience a problem."

What is less common, asthma or allergic reactions?

Less common is a respiratory allergic reaction or "chemical asthma".

What is the most common type of allergy?

Dr Sandra Costigan, principal toxicologist at British American Tobacco, explained the most common type of allergy is caused by the skin coming into contact with an allergen. Less common is a respiratory allergic reaction or "chemical asthma". "Although respiratory allergy is much less common than skin allergy, the potential adverse effects are much ...

How long does it take for an allergic reaction to occur?

An allergic reaction usually happens within a few minutes of exposure to an allergen - the compound that a person is allergic to.

Why are e-cigarettes so popular?

A wealth of scientific research has explored the health benefits and dangers of the devices, which are becoming increasingly popular. E-cigarettes were designed to help smokers quit their deadly habit, and are marketed as a healthier alternative to regular fags.

What is it called when you have a severe reaction?

But, severe reactions can also occur, and are called anaphylaxis - a medical emergency that can prove life-threatening.

Can you get itchy after vaping?

If you develop, itching and irritation after vaping. Check to see if it is propylene glycol based or vegetable based. Even vegetable based could be a problem in some people since we know that people can be allergic to fruits such as mangos, strawberries, kiwi,etc as well as coconut, hazelnut and other plant extracts.

Is vaping better than smoking?

Vaping or the use of e-cigarettes has been touted as “safer” than smoking cigarettes. Yet, is this really true? With respect to skin allergies, hives and itching, there may be more to be studied. Many of the liquids used for vaping containe propylene glycol, a known skin allergen.

Can you vape with berries?

In addition, many contain fruit and spice flavorings such as strawberry, mint and berry extracts that are know irritants on the skin and possibly can also produce hives and a systemic reaction. If you already know that you are allergic to berries, then vaping an extract with berries could produce a systemic allergic response in your lungs ...

Who developed the rash after using a vape?

Lisa Santiago-Griggs, 42, said she developed the painful rash after using a vape for the first time. (SWNS) A woman in England is calling for a law requiring an allergy test for any first-time vapers after she claims her severe reaction to the e-cigarette landed her in the hospital. Lisa Santiago-Griggs, who had attempted to self-medicate ...

Can you get a reaction to e-liquid?

According to E-CigReviews.org.uk, allergic reaction s to propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin, two ingredients that make up e-liquids, are possible although often rare. Symptoms of a propylene glycol allergy include dry throat, sore throat, swollen gums, skin problems and rashes, and sinus problems.

Can you vape with propylene glycol?

Those who experience skin issues including on their neck, lips and face are encouraged to stop using the liquid immediately. According to the website, those with an allergy to propylene glycol can still vape, but will need to choose a liquid void of the ingredient.

How to buy vape juice with PG allergy?

So, how do you buy vape juice if you have a PG allergy? The answer is that you simply need to look for 100-percent VG e-liquid. When you shop for e-liquid, the one thing you need to know is that there is a difference between “100-percent VG” and terms such as “high-VG” and “max-VG.” Those terms don’t have universally accepted definitions, and any e-liquid not labeled “100-percent VG” may contain a small amount of PG as a flavor carrier or thinning agent.

What Is Propylene Glycol, and Why Is It Used in Vape Juice?

Propylene glycol is a synthetic chemical with an enormous variety of uses. It has so many uses, in fact, that it’s synthesized from a several different sources .

Why use PG in vape juice?

All of the properties above help to make PG the perfect base for vape juice. Because PG is an emulsifier, you don’t need to shake a bottle of e-liquid each time you fill your tank. Since it’s a great flavor carrier, PG helps to ensure that you enjoy bold, tasty flavors when vaping. Finally, PG creates a nice, thick cloud of vapor when it’s heated. It provides everything that you could possibly want in an e-liquid base.

Is it hard to vape if you are allergic to PG?

Thankfully, it isn’t too hard to vape if you are allergic or sensitive to PG. All that you need to do is buy the right vape juice. Before we discuss that in greater detail, though, let’s learn more about what PG is and how to tell if you might be allergic to it.

Can you vape with PG?

PG is an even more difficult chemical to avoid if you vape, because it is the most plentiful ingredient in most vape juice. If you have a PG allergy and are considering switching to vaping to help yourself quit smoking, though, you’ve got to find a way to make it work.

Is VG a good base for vaping?

As we’ve already explained, PG is an absolutely perfect base for vape juice. That’s bad news for the few people who suffer from PG allergies. The good news, though, is that an equally perfect alternative exists. That alternative is vegetable glycerin. VG is a natural byproduct from soapmaking, and it shares many of PG’s properties. It’s also an effective emulsifier and solvent, and it’s possible to make a great vape juice using only VG – and no PG at all – as a base. In fact, many people prefer high-PG e-liquids even if they don’t suffer from PG allergies, because VG is a thicker liquid that creates larger and more luxurious clouds when it’s vaporized.

Is vaping PG a sensitivity?

With that being said, there’s a big difference in smoking a tobacco product that contains trace amounts of PG and inhaling an e-liquid that’s more than 50-percent PG. It is possible that the higher concentration of PG in vape juice will reveal a PG allergy or sensitivity that was previously unknown. If that’s the case, look for symptoms such as persistent coughing and itching, bumpiness or redness on the skin. If you experience any of those symptoms when vaping, you may want to ask your doctor to order an allergy test.

What are the effects of vaping?

Amazingly, you can still find many studies on vaping. A worldwide survey gives more insights on its beneficial and negative effects in people’s minds. Some of the researchreport the adverse effects in current and former smokers are: 1 Dry mouth 2 Sore mouth 3 Headache 4 Tongue inflammation 5 Black tongue 6 Dizziness 7 Sleepiness 8 Sleeplessness 9 Allergies 10 Chest pain 11 Breathing problems

How to stop chest pain from vaping?

First, try changing all the settings. Then, if that doesn’t clear things up, consult a doctor.

How long does it take for vaping to go away?

Overall, when your body becomes regular to it, the side effects usually disappear within a few hours or days at most .

What does it mean when you feel vapor on your face?

You are most likely just experiencing the feeling of the vapor on your skin for the first time. Since the skin on your face is very sensitive the vapor should feel cold and may leave a sort of sticky film on your skin.

Is vaping good for you?

Vaping as we know is not 100% healthy some may have different side effects to it some may have none. Vaping is a alternative to help quit smoking some turn it into a hobby some don’t it’s a “alternative” to quit smoking. Some of you pick up a vape and have side effects then mention you smoked for 20 30 40 years.

Can a teenager vape?

Nicotine can have serious side effects on the developing brain of a teenager. It is definitely best to make sure that a teen never starts vaping at all, but especially if the e-juice contains nicotine.

Does vaping cause dry mouth?

dry skin in the case of people who have very oily skin. However, staying hydrated is still essential. Dry Mouth and Skin Issues. Dehydration due to vaping can cause dry mouth or dry throat, itchy, flaky, and red skin, and several other effects.

How many people use vaping?

Vaping has become more than a fad with an estimated 11 million users in the United States. 20  Due to the known and unknown that risks e-cigarettes pose, it is difficult to endorse their use or regard them as a "safer" alternative to smoking. This is especially true if you have asthma.

What are the chemicals in inhalable mist?

These include heavy metals (like tin, nickel, and lead) and oily substances that can become trapped in smaller airways. 1

What is the purpose of e-cigarettes?

According to a 2018 study in the journal Thorax, aerosolized chemicals in e-cigarettes immobilize immune cells called alveolar macrophages that the body uses to remove allergens, dust, and other asthma triggers from the lungs. 3 .

Can asthma be triggered by vaping?

Because of this, many people with asthma were encouraged to switch to e-cigarettes—that is, vape instead of smoke—under the presumption that the aerosolized vapors were less likely to trigger an asthma attack . But studies now suggest that this may not be the case. There is, in fact, growing evidence that the use of e-cigarettes⁠ (vaping) ...

Is it safe to smoke e-cigarettes?

When they were first introduced into the market, electronic cigarettes ( also known as e-cigarettes) were branded as the "safe" alternative to traditional cigarettes. Because of this, many people with asthma were encouraged to switch to e-cigarettes—that is, vape instead of smoke—under the presumption that the aerosolized vapors were less likely to trigger an asthma attack .

Does e-cigarette affect lung function?

The majority of people with e-cigarette-associated lung injury (EVALI) also had traces of vitamin E acetate in their lungs. 14. These factors not only increase the frequency and severity of asthma attacks but may increase the risk of COPD and other lung diseases in people who have never smoked.

Does smoking cause COPD?

Smoking is also responsible for 80% of COPD diagnoses and increases the risk of both heart disease and stroke by as much as 400%. 15. Furthermore, cigarette smoking is known to be a risk factor for the frequency and severity of acute asthma symptoms.

What happens if you have a PG allergy?

If you have a PG allergy, you’ll likely show signs of allergic contact dermatitis.

How does the immune system respond to an allergy?

Like it does in response to an infection, your immune system responds to the perceived threat by creating antibodies specifically designed to fight it off.

Can PG cause sore throat?

Although it’s entirely possible that new vapers having problems such as sore throats are having a reaction to PG, it’s not the only explanation. In fact, several symptoms often accompany quitting smoking, and these can overlap a little with the symptoms of PG sensitivity or allergy.

Can you get a PG allergy from vaping?

As mentioned earlier, PG is in so many different products you’ve probably already come into contact with PG on your skin. This means many people will a true PG allergy will probably be well aware of it – or at least that you have an allergy to something before you start vaping.

Is PG a true allergy?

The big issue is that these symptoms are a lot like what you’d get if your skin was simply irritated by PG. This isn’t a true allergic reaction, but the symptoms are so similar it can be really hard to tell which is which. In fact, this is a big part of the reason researchers aren’t quite sure how common PG allergy is.

Can you be allergic to PG?

A common explanation is that some people are just allergic to PG. But it ’s not that simple. In fact, while allergies do happen, in situations like the one dramatised above, it’s normally something a lot more common but arguably just as unpleasant: PG sensitivity.

Is vaping bad for you?

If you’re having a bad reaction to vaping, you should now see that it isn’t necessarily an “allergy.” In fact, the odds are that it’s sensitivity rather than an allergy, but it is possible that you’re having an allergic reaction.

What are the side effects of vaping?

Coughing. Headaches. Dizziness or headrush. Weight loss/gain. Nausea. Tired and fatigued. Chest pain from vaping. Although vapes are not medical devices, side effects for the user may occur. But these side effects are not a given.

Why does vaping hurt?

There could be various reasons for chest pain from vaping. Excessive heat, high nicotine, or maybe even the specific flavorings in a particular e-liquid could be the cause.

How to stop dizziness when vaping?

If you’re concerned about dizziness or the feeling of being lightheaded, the best course of action is to lower your nicotine or the amount you vape in short periods. If you’d prefer to not lower your consumption, it’s something that will likely go away as your body gets accustomed to nicotine.

What to do if you have chest pains when vaping?

Then maybe you can lower the power, reduce your nicotine, change your atom izer or coil , or change your flavor . Essentially, try and change your entire set up if you have to.

Does nicotine cause headaches?

Alkaloids have a physiological effect on the user, and cessation from habitual usage may cause headaches. Nicotine is the major alkaloid in tobacco, accounting for about 95% of the alkaloid content, but there are other tobacco minor alkaloids in tobacco smoke, not present in e-liquid.

Can vaping cause dizziness?

Dizziness or headrush. Similar to the feeling of smoking for the first time, it’s not uncommon to experience lightheadedness and dizziness from vaping. Also similar to smoking, this typically will stop presenting itself the more you consume.

Can you get a sore throat from vaping?

Some coils used in vaping are nickel-based, and it’s not uncommon for users to discover they have an allergy to nickel. Also, several reports online can be found associating a sore throat with high nicotine, especially when used with high levels of propylene glycol (50% or more).

How is Vaping Associated with Allergies?

The bottom line is there is still a lot of research that needs to be done before definitive conclusions can be reached on how vaping is associated with allergies.

What is Vape Lung?

Vape lung is the term that is being given to a cluster of symptoms that arise from what is believed to be the sustained use of e-cigarettes. Vape lung is not an infection—which means it is likely the result of exposure to the chemicals in vaping products.

Are Sinus Infections Caused by Vaping?

It’s possible that vaping may be a contributing factor to some sinus infections . Since vaping increases allergy sensitivity, and allergies can lead to possible sinus infections, vaping could be one of the factors to consider when determining the source of a sinus infection.

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