Allergic to PG and VG?

[lelly]

So I was having some symptoms that I thought were attributed to PG sensitivity, now since switching to VG over the last couple of days (90% of the time, still have some storebought PG tobacco flavors for those strong cravings) my symptoms have gotten way worse. The Dr wants to blame it all on vaping, even though he knows nothing about it. I would like to think it is because of stress, but I have never reacted this way to stress before. The only side effect I have heard anyone talk about for VG is a bit of phlegm in the back of your throat, I have more than "a bit", and other symptoms include extremely bloodshot eyes, seeing stars, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, bleeding nose, headaches. I don't want to quit vaping and go back to analogs, and at this point in my life, using neither isn't realistic. But I don't really know if I have any other option. Maybe I am just sick and it has nothing to do with vaping, or maybe because I still use PG 10% of the time (though I don't feel worse after using it?). Has anyone else heard of any of these symptoms from VG? I haven't had an analog in over a month, should I be starting to cough all this stuff out of my lungs now?

 

[Jimilives]

Something to consider is that even alot of stuff that is PG still has 5% VG to give move smoke, have you tried vaping JUST PG, it sounds to me like you may have a VG allergy (NOTE: i am NO doctor or have any knowledge of your situation other than above) but to me it makes sense to go to any pharmacy and buy some PG, even if it has no nic and try and vape that for a day or two (yes you will have nic fits BUT if you prove one way or other which is bothering you that should be worth a day of discomfort)

I know about a month after starting vaping i had bad cough attacks I thought was due to vaping, and I too blamed the evil PG, turns out I had a bit of a congestion and a bunch of psycho-sematic side effects (aka it was in my head and my body was playing along)

At the end of the day though you have come this far in going a month with out analogs, whether you are able to vape or not please try and look at your life with cigarettes as over, you would literrally have to learn to like them again if you picked up a pack right now,so why bother? I hope to hell your able to work things out, we are behind you 100%

 

[Switched]

You need to isolate the culprit. You could also have bad PG or VG or even liquids for that matter.

Vape straight PG or VG and see if you can isolate one of them . BTW PG and VG by themselves have any flavour perse.

Flavouring, is another. PG has a shelf life of 2yrs whilst VG has a shelf life of 1.5yrs. This includes flavourings, soem expire sooner than others.

I am not a doctor either, but regardless if your doctor doesn't no diddly about vaping, his/her recommendation is bang on, until you can isolate what is making you sick. My PG sensitivity developed over time 7-8 months. Vaping is a safer alternative, not necessarily safe perse.

 

[Pipeous]

I got a nosebleed yesterday for no reason. I was shaving and it just started. wierd as I never get them. and I am vaping more vg as of late. I sure notice the phlegm increase like you mentioned.

after a month you are a non smoker. all the physical addiction is gone. you just have the mental addiction. I can relate. I still look for my smokes after eating subconsciously. I plan on giving up vaping very soon myself. I'll keep the machines around for a bit but I am going to ween myself off them over this week and buy a mondo huge pack of multi flavoured lifesavers... I crave flavour more than smoking now... hope that will do the trick.

 

[Katmandu]

So I was having some symptoms that I thought were attributed to PG sensitivity, now since switching to VG over the last couple of days (90% of the time, still have some storebought PG tobacco flavors for those strong cravings) my symptoms have gotten way worse. The Dr wants to blame it all on vaping, even though he knows nothing about it. I would like to think it is because of stress, but I have never reacted this way to stress before. The only side effect I have heard anyone talk about for VG is a bit of phlegm in the back of your throat, I have more than "a bit", and other symptoms include extremely bloodshot eyes, seeing stars, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, bleeding nose, headaches. I don't want to quit vaping and go back to analogs, and at this point in my life, using neither isn't realistic. But I don't really know if I have any other option. Maybe I am just sick and it has nothing to do with vaping, or maybe because I still use PG 10% of the time (though I don't feel worse after using it?). Has anyone else heard of any of these symptoms from VG? I haven't had an analog in over a month, should I be starting to cough all this stuff out of my lungs now?

Lelly,

After my first month vaping I started getting dizzy spells so bad that came with headaches and fainting - my doctor said it was because my brain and body were finally getting more oxygen because analogs weren't robbing my body of it anymore and I needed to let it adjust. It lasted for just over a week - I used a lot of Gravol - and it was the worse week I've ever had.

The weather here in Manitoba has also been extremely dry and cold - ie: low humidity levels - this could be causing the nosebleeds and headaches. Are you drinking lots of water and staying hydrated? Do you have a humidifier that you can use in the house?

It may be a combination of these things and/or a possible allergy, and/or flu. Can you go see a different doctor at a walk in clinic - get a second opinion?

 

[kanadiankat]

Hey Lelly,

There are 4 potential sensitivies for all liquids - PG - VG - flavorants and nicotine.

Below is a list of published symptoms that are associated with a nicotine overdose (http://www.drugs.com/nicotine.html):
Nausea
Vomiting
........
Stomach pains
Cold sweats
Headache
Dizziness
Hearing or vision problems
Confusion
Chest pain
Uneven or racing heartbeat
Seizures

Also - As Switch mentioned - it might be wise to seek a 2nd opinion from another doctor and isolate the culprit or work out if you have a sensitivity to an ingredient, a flu, withdrawl symptoms, nicotine overdose, etc.

Having lived with a huge variety of medical people for most of my life - I get to know the drill. They are not omniscient - but they will also know symptoms much better than the average internet "symptom" surfer. A good doctor will also know how to chart symptoms - inform you when they are severe - and keep tabs where they're leading, etc.

If you have a doctor who is willing to support your choices, educated him/herself on those choices and help you stay on top of any health issues - that's a good doctor.

Stay safe - get well.

 

[lelly]

Thankyou for everyones support and input. ATM all I have for DIY nic is VG so for a couple of days I will completely cut out the PG and see if that helps. I will go flavorless, but is it necessary to go nic-less? I am at 9mg, and I don't have any of the stomach, nasuea, sweat symptoms that I have gotten when I OD'ed in the past so I don't think nic is the problem? In the mean time I will have to order some PG nic juice to try for a couple of days after that. I will also make an appointment with my family dr for a second opinion.

The more I think about it, the more I think that VG is the culprit, and what I thought was PG sensitivity was most likely symptoms from a cold and stress. I kind of dismissed it as an option because I have never heard anything about anyone being sensitive to VG. Going back to analogs is definately not an option so I will do whatever it takes to make vaping work for me. Drinking more water today and will get the humidifier going in the bedroom tonight, thanks for the suggestions everyone.

 

[kanadiankat]

Hey Lelly,

One other thing,

When you go to your doctor - might be a good idea to bring your PV and your nic liquid and some info - such as a link to a site your doc can refer to for info.

Dr Carl Phillips carried out a study on ecigs via the University of Alberta. He currently runs a site with some information and links to his studies:

Tobaccoharmreduction.org

Your doctor may appreciate having these tools available to help you learn if there is a link between your symptoms and vaping or if it's something else unrelated.

 

[Switched]

Thankyou for everyones support and input. ATM all I have for DIY nic is VG so for a couple of days I will completely cut out the PG and see if that helps. I will go flavorless, but is it necessary to go nic-less? I am at 9mg, and I don't have any of the stomach, nasuea, sweat symptoms that I have gotten when I OD'ed in the past so I don't think nic is the problem? In the mean time I will have to order some PG nic juice to try for a couple of days after that. I will also make an appointment with my family dr for a second opinion.

The more I think about it, the more I think that VG is the culprit, and what I thought was PG sensitivity was most likely symptoms from a cold and stress. I kind of dismissed it as an option because I have never heard anything about anyone being sensitive to VG. Going back to analogs is definately not an option so I will do whatever it takes to make vaping work for me. Drinking more water today and will get the humidifier going in the bedroom tonight, thanks for the suggestions everyone.

You do not need to go no nic, but you ned to isolate the culprit. Because of the variety of liquids I vaped it took me a good month to isolate the PG over "the liquid" PG will cleans out in 2-3 days, I am sure VG will be the same (don't know I wasn't isolating VG). So I would say to give each a solid week to determine. Once you have cleansed yourself from one or the other, you will know which one it is. You will know in a matter of vapes. You will not get the serious symptoms you have mentioned previously, but the signs will be there as your body has not built up a tolerance to it yet.

 

[Zurd]

Your symptoms are quite dangerous, stop vaping right away for a few days to see if you're gonna be better. Start smoking again, it'll be fine, you know ecigs exist, you know they works, you can always come back next week if you're feeling better and start to isolate the problem. Of course if you don't get better, go see your doctor again as soon as possible.

You don't want to drive and see stars, get dizzy or even worse faint, that's your life on the line.

 

[viktor]

Your symptoms are quite dangerous, stop vaping right away for a few days to see if you're gonna be better. Start smoking again, it'll be fine, you know ecigs exist, you know they works, you can always come back next week if you're feeling better and start to isolate the problem. Of course if you don't get better, go see your doctor again as soon as possible.

I think this is the best advice. Wish you get well soon lelly.