Could Exposure to Marijuana Smoke Be Triggering My Hepatitis Symptoms?
I am a 28-year-old female weighing 90 pounds, diagnosed with various health issues including POTS, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, and Fibromyalgia. Until recently, I was hospitalized due to Hepatitis, where the most challenging symptom I faced was relentless vomiting; I couldn’t retain any food or liquids. After my hospitalization, things took a turn for the worse when my Great Aunt, with whom I lived, kicked me out for seeking medical treatment related to her Alzheimer’s condition. This unfortunate situation forced me into a homeless shelter. At the shelter, I found myself sharing a room with someone who smokes marijuana incessantly. Since I started living there, I've noticed the emergence of a persistent cough, which I suspect is due to the secondhand and thirdhand smoke from my roommate's habits. Each time my roommate returns from smoking a blunt, I find myself coughing uncontrollably. Over time, this cough has escalated into more violent fits, and I've begun to experience vomiting episodes once again. When I throw up, I am often incapacitated for several hours. I attempt to rest, but laying on either side triggers more vomiting, which yields yellow or brown bile. Even the slightest pressure on my abdomen leads to similar distress. Could the exposure to marijuana smoke be responsible for these aggravated symptoms? I certainly didn’t experience this level of discomfort prior to moving into the shelter.
Answers (1)
7/29/2025, 7:40:42 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that you're concerned about your symptoms, especially given your recent hospital experience and the challenges you're facing in your current living situation. Exposure to any type of smoke, including marijuana smoke, can indeed aggravate respiratory issues and potentially trigger coughing or other gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly if you have an existing health condition like hepatitis.
Main Points:
- Secondhand and thirdhand smoke exposure can lead to increased coughing and other respiratory issues.
- Your vomiting may be exacerbated by the smoke irritation, as well as your underlying health conditions.
- Prioritizing your environment and finding a way to reduce smoke exposure is crucial for your well-being.
Explanation:
Marijuana smoke contains various compounds that can irritate the respiratory system. Since you've already experienced severe vomiting due to your hepatitis, exposure to smoke may be compounding the problem, especially if your gastrointestinal (GI) system is sensitive. The fact that you’re experiencing uncontrollable coughing and vomiting episodes suggests that your lungs and stomach might be reacting negatively to the smoke environment.
Immediate Next Steps:
-
Reduce Smoke Exposure:
- If possible, try to create a smoke-free zone by requesting a different sleeping arrangement within the shelter or spending more time in common areas that are less exposed to smoke.
- Use protective measures, such as wearing a mask when you’re around the smoking person, though this may not completely eliminate exposure.
-
Manage Symptoms:
- Focus on staying hydrated. Sip on clear fluids to help manage your vomiting and prevent dehydration.
- If you start feeling nauseated, try to rest in an upright position, which might help prevent further vomiting.
-
Monitor Your Symptoms:
- Keep a log of your symptoms to identify any patterns, especially in relation to smoke exposure. Note when you cough more or when vomiting occurs; this can help in understanding triggers.
-
Seek Support:
- Given your vulnerabilities with health and housing, consider reaching out to local health organizations or shelters that provide resources for individuals with medical needs. They might offer alternative housing or assistance with your health issues.
If your symptoms worsen or if you experience other concerning signs, such as a high fever or severe abdominal pain, it's important to take appropriate action. Please take care of yourself as best as you can in your current situation.
Related Questions
Seeking Insights on Unexplained Joint Pain
Hello everyone! I’ve just come across this subreddit and I’m eager to hear your thoughts on my situation. I’m a 20-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds. At present, I’m on a regimen that includes 40mg of Vilazodone and 10mg of Hydroxyzine as needed. Previously, I also took Duloxetine at a dosage of 60mg and Gabapentin at 100mg. Since February 2024, I have been plagued by severe joint pain. It all began after my doctor prescribed Duloxetine to address my anxiety—this was my first experience with SSRIs. About two to three weeks post-prescription, I began waking up in the night with debilitating joint pain that affects my entire body. There were moments when the pain subsided for a while, but it eventually returned, particularly after work shifts. I’m employed in a warehouse and hadn’t experienced this kind of discomfort, even during physically taxing days. Now, I frequently wake up to find my feet, knees, and hands swollen and painful. Throughout the day, I encounter sporadic pain, with some weeks being notably worse than others. I refer to these intense periods as “flare-ups,” during which my body feels inflamed. The pain can be localized to my arms and hands, but at times it spreads across one side of my body or engulfs both sides. The severity can be such that I feel discomfort in every joint and occasionally even in my spine, which is quite distressing. I’ve pinpointed a few triggers for these flare-ups: extreme stress can exacerbate my symptoms, and sudden temperature changes, whether hot or cold, also appear to be problematic. Certain sweet teas tend to increase my pain as do some fried chicken meals, though the reaction isn’t consistent. There are instances where a repetitive meal leads to a flare-up, though this isn’t a certainty. When I work consecutive days, I have to tread carefully; overexertion can leave me incapacitated. Conversely, I may spend several days resting and still find myself in excruciating pain, regardless of my activity level. Recently, I’ve also begun to experience tremors in my hands upon waking. In an attempt to improve my fitness, I tried running but ended up with a hip injury after just five minutes, resulting in lingering pain for several days. While I aspire to become healthier, I’m anxious that any physical activity could exacerbate my condition. I consulted a rheumatologist who ruled out rheumatoid conditions, and although I gave Gabapentin a try, it wasn’t particularly effective. Currently, my only medication is Vilazodone, and I’ve been informed that my ANA levels are elevated, yet the cause remains elusive. I’ve been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, although I’m not entirely convinced that fits my situation. I’m genuinely at a loss and would greatly appreciate any insights or suggestions from this community. Thank you!
Concerns About a Slowly Growing Mole: What You Need to Know
26M Approximately a year ago, I noticed a new mole on my neck that was noticeably darker than my existing ones. Seeking reassurance, I consulted several dermatologists, all of whom assured me that it appeared normal and shouldn't raise any alarms. However, during my recent mole assessment, I learned that it had increased in size by 0.5 mm over the past year. The doctor emphasized that this growth wasn't alarming and suggested monitoring the mole for any further changes, recommending a follow-up in three months. Just yesterday, when I returned for another evaluation, I discovered that the mole had expanded an additional 0.5 mm within a two-month interval. Concerned by this development, the dermatologist advised me to have it surgically removed and tested through a biopsy. I am scheduled to visit a surgeon tomorrow for an examination, and if deemed necessary, the mole will be excised for further analysis. The dermatologist reassured me that there are no visible signs of malignancy, yet I cannot help but feel frightened. This mole has been present for over a year and remains relatively small—under 6 mm in diameter—but its thickness remains uncertain. Additionally, its location near my lymph nodes, just beneath my left ear, adds to my anxiety. Given all this, should I be worried? What are the chances that something as small as this could develop into a more serious condition, possibly even cancer? I am preparing to remove the mole and send it for a biopsy tomorrow to gain more clarity on the situation.
Concerns About Worsening Cellulitis Infection
My husband has been prescribed Bactrim to treat cellulitis affecting his knee. Today marks the third day of his antibiotic course, and unfortunately, the sore on his knee has been oozing bloody pus continuously during this time. The condition appears to have deteriorated compared to how it looked before his visit to the doctor. Although he reports that the pain has diminished somewhat, the wound remains quite unsightly despite our efforts to cleanse it daily with saline solution. Additionally, he has developed a second area of concern on his calf, which initially was just a minor blemish. However, it has now progressed to show increasing redness, accompanied by noticeable swelling and hardness in the calf region. I believe it's essential for us to return to the doctor tomorrow for further evaluation. Our previous visit to urgent care was frustrating; the physician spent less than two minutes with us, offering no treatment for the wound—simply advising that we return if his condition worsened. Given that he is not exhibiting signs of sepsis, should we wait to visit the emergency room, or should we seek out urgent care again to insist they properly clean the wound and perhaps consider a different antibiotic?
Should I Be Concerned About My Healing Process or Consult My Dermatologist?
At 33 years old and weighing 250 pounds, my only medication is Simpesse. Approximately a month ago, I had a concerning spot surgically excised from my chest's side, which fortunately turned out to be completely benign. However, my recovery has been quite eventful. Three weeks after the procedure, I developed a significant scab and was diligently applying a scar treatment gel along with Aquaphor as advised by my dermatologist. Things took a turn when I had to travel for an event. Upon arriving at my hotel, I noticed that the scab had detached from the edges of my skin, leaving my shirt stained with blood. I promptly covered it with a band-aid and reapplied Aquaphor for protection. When I awakened the next morning, I was surprised to find that the scab had nearly disintegrated, leaving behind a mess. To guard the exposed wound while away from my home, I have been using hydrocolloid bandages for the past week, changing them once they lose adhesion. Today, I arrived back and gently cleaned the area using Cetaphil. For context, the wound is approximately the size of a nickel. Is this typical for the healing process, or should I reach out to my dermatologist for advice? Perhaps I should visit urgent care? I previously had a mole removed from my arm, and that recovery felt different. Could this be related to the sensitivity of the skin in this particular area?
Seeking Insights on Lab Results
Greetings, I am a 34-year-old woman recently diagnosed with Pernicious Anemia. My primary care physician mentioned that she wouldn't reevaluate my B12 levels— which have been persistently low—until I consult a specialist. Unfortunately, that appointment has been delayed significantly, so I have started supplementing with B12. Currently, I am experiencing numbness in my extremities and episodic dizziness that sometimes leads to brief blackouts lasting over 10 seconds. For the past four months, I have also been struggling with severe cystic acne that appears along my jawline. Just when I think I've managed to control it, I wake up to discover a fresh pimple. Last year, I underwent a bilateral salpingectomy; I have never been pregnant nor given birth. During my consultations prior to the surgery, my gynecologist identified pelvic adhesions and removed them. Despite that, I continue to endure pain in my right ovary, persistent acne, and have regular menstrual cycles, but with erratic blood flow and hot flashes. As a next step, my primary care provider ordered tests to evaluate my hormone levels. However, I received a call from her assistant informing me that "everything is normal" according to the lab results. This leaves me feeling uncertain; it seems either too superficial an assessment was made or my issues are being overlooked. I apologize if my concerns sound trivial, but I am seeking a second opinion. How can my lab results indicate normal levels while I am experiencing these significant symptoms? Could it be that I’m overreacting? I appreciate your help immensely. My initial four tests were flagged, and I was informed that LabCorp had no clear data regarding either regular or abnormal hormone levels. Thank you once again for your understanding. Here are my lab results for reference: - MCV: High at 103 - MCH: Moderately high at 33.2 - BUN: Low at 5 - BUN/Creatinine Ratio: Low at 6 - LH: 11.3 - FSH: 11.1 - Testosterone: 32 - Free Testosterone: 2.8 - Estradiol: 61.6 - TSH: 2.430