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Celiac Disease And Second Hand Smoke

suzanne2906

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suzanne2906 Newbie
suzanne2906
Posted

I was diagnosed with celiac disease one year ago. I was relieved to find out what was the cause of my ill health. However, after being gluen free for one year, I still have the upset stomach and other symptoms associated with celiac disease. I work in a smoke filled environment, a casino and there is no way to get around it. From the research I've done on the additives to cigarettes, Open Original Shared Link which lists the ingredients as Malt and Malt Extract, Wheat Extract And Flour. Now you tell me why I throw up when I get off work every single day. There has never been a survey saying how much second hand smoke affects celiacs. I'd really like to know because I'm tired of the continued symptoms.

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mommyagain Explorer
mommyagain
Posted
I was diagnosed with celiac disease one year ago. I was relieved to find out what was the cause of my ill health. However, after being gluen free for one year, I still have the upset stomach and other symptoms associated with celiac disease. I work in a smoke filled environment, a casino and there is no way to get around it. From the research I've done on the additives to cigarettes, Open Original Shared Link which lists the ingredients as Malt and Malt Extract, Wheat Extract And Flour. Now you tell me why I throw up when I get off work every single day. There has never been a survey saying how much second hand smoke affects celiacs. I'd really like to know because I'm tired of the continued symptoms.

Wow... that sucks. Are casinos exempt from the "no smoking in public places" laws? Can you find work in a smoke-free casino (if they exist)? Can you only work in a casino, or could you do your job somewhere else?

I would guess that if you are being careful about everything else, then the cigarette smoke could definitely be the problem.

Your health is worth more than any amount of money you may make there... it sounds like you are in a position where you HAVE to change jobs... if you don't, you will never be well. Good luck.

Gemini Experienced
Gemini
Posted

This subject has been broached before but I'll add this in again.....please bear with me so I can fully explain. You have to ingest gluten into your intestinal tract to produce a reaction and be glutened, unless you have DH and then it occurs also by skin contact with gluten. It may very well be that you do not feel well and get sick from second hand smoke but I highly doubt it's from the additives. If you are a non-smoker, then second hand smoke will give anyone these symptoms, if they are sensitive enough to smoke. Many people experience nausea from smoke, even those without GS/celiac disease. You would have to eat a cigarette to spark an autoimmune reaction from celiac disease.

I would say that it's time to find another job, where you won't be breathing in something that really bothers you. Is there any chance that you could also be getting some gluten elsewhere or that you are sensitive to another food, on top of your work environment?

kbtoyssni Contributor
kbtoyssni
Posted

I'm not sure if gluten is still present in smoke if you burn it. Ironically, there have been studies showing smoking can decrease stomach problems and hold off the onset of celiac. I'd assume second hand smoke would have the same effects. I'd also lean more towards this being from breathing in all those chemicals all night.

lovegrov Collaborator
lovegrov
Posted

There are a number of folks with celiac who smoke and have no celiac reaction. Just because an ingredient is allowed to be in cigarettes doesn't mean it's there.

Still, I don't think I could continue in a job that causes me to throw up every day. Throwing up all the time is bad for your health and eventually can decay your teeth and erode your esophagus.

richard

  • 2 weeks later...
Rick45 Rookie
Rick45
Posted

I Don't know, If your smoking , it lines the mouth and you swallow it? I read where gluten has a very high heat thing , to destroy it . Plus the gluten in glue . I could not quit smoking until I got the ones that had no additives. :D

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