marijuana and allergic reactions

Posted by eric on June 07, 1999 at 10:39:35
I have been smoking pot for about 2 years now, and until this past winter,i was usually never sick.Ever since about thanksgiving or so,I keep getting sick about every couple weeks.My doctor gave me Claritin-D for my sickness and it works pretty good.My question is,since Claritin-D is an allergy medicine,is it possible that maybe I've developed some kind of allergic reaction due to smoking weed?

Posted by Rob Schneider, EdD, HVMA on June 07, 1999 at 11:40:13
First of all, I'm not sure how much, how often or, most importantly, why  you've been smoking pot for the last two years.  Obviously these are important questions that make it difficult to answer your question.  Also, I'm not sure what you mean when you say you've been getting sick every couple of weeks.  The fact that your MD gave you Claritin suggests that you've had upper respiratory problems that can certainly be caused by smoking pot.  Pot has all sorts of chemicals, not to mention unfiltered smoke, that can irritate your nasal passages, throat, eyes and lungs.  
There have also been a number of studies suggesting that regular marijuana use impairs our immune system which makes us more susceptible to getting sick with things like colds, flus, and so on.  I would certainly inform your doctor of your marijuana use so that he or she can make a proper diagnosis.  Also, it might provide the chance to talk with someone about your pot use.  What are the good parts, what are the not so good parts, and when do you tend to use.  Understanding your pot use is important not only for your physical health but also for your psychological health.