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How To Test For Allergic Recation To Marijuana?

Posted on Tue, 1 Apr 2014

Question: I am a high school teacher who, on occasion, runs into a student who has smoked marijuana at lunch. Even if the smell is faint, my throat starts to itch and so does my tongue. If it is really strong and I am close to the student my skin starts to itch and I break out in a rash as well. Every time it happens my reaction seems to get worse and come on more quickly. Obviously I don't smoke it myself ...nor do I smoke anything else. I live in a state where medical marijuana is now available and it seems to be everywhere. Is there an allergy test for this? I end up taking Benadryl when I have a reaction and it helps but it also knocks me out. Any suggestions on how to deal with this because marijuana isn't going away.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Karanwal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: Undergo Allergic test and take the advised drugs Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX Thanks for your query. The symptoms strongly suggest that you have nasal allergy to marijuana smoke/odor. Since marijuana is freely available in your locality and being used by most people, there is no way for you to avoid it. A Comprehensive Allergy Test is available, which identifies ALL substances, fumes, vapors, edibles and drugs, to which you are allergic to. It is indeed an expensive test, but will be very helpful to you. Hence, I would recommend that you take the following anti-allergic drugs regularly :- * A combination of Levoceterizine (5mg) + Montelukast (10mg) * Azelastin nasal spray twice daily, which I consider as the MOST EFFECTIVE anti-allergic drug, based on my vast clinical experience of more than 35 years. Consult your doctor and apprise him of my opinion. I am certain that he will agree with me; order the advised test, and prescribe suitable treatment as advised. Lastly, you can drastically reduce the allergic episodes by avoiding ALL those substances (as revealed by Allergic Test) which are allergic-prone in your case. Hope I have addressed your concerns to your complete satisfaction and you find my response helpful and informative. I will be happy to answer further queries, if any. Fond regards and have a nice day, Col (Dr.) Rakesh Karanwal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Karanwal (9 hours later)

Thank you Doctor. I will make an appointment this week and include a copy of your recommendation. My reaction has been a rare occurrence until lately when even going to the grocery store and smelling it on people has caused me to run for Benadryl. The "fun" part is being labeled as better than a "drug dog" by my administrator. Thank you again. It is good to know there is something I can do to get past this.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Karanwal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: You will improve with the advised treatment. Detailed Answer: Well XXXXXXX I hope all goes according to your expectations and Comprehensive Allergic Test is ordered by the consultant. I am pretty sure you will get tremendous relief with the advised drugs. Fond regards, Dr. Rakesh Karanwal

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D