Reaction to Wheat/Dairy/Meats???

[ngsoccer]

Hi there, I'm brand new to this site and was hoping to find some answers.

For about a month or two, I've been having reactions to food. The symptoms include swollen nasal passages (not runny), to the point where i can barely breathe out of my nose. My chest feels as if it tightens up, and my through feels strange. I can't really describe the feeling in my throat, it doesn't itch or hurt, but feels as something is off. The symptoms get worse with time and the amount of food that I eat, and continue until I take a benadryl.

I thought I narrowed it down to a simple allergy to chicken, but after avoiding chicken for about two weeks, I've had the reaction multiple times. The most strange thing about the allergy is that it seems to happen randomly -- I'll eat the same food a week apart, and the reaction will either be absent in one occasion, or less severe.

After reading into it a little bit, I've thought it might be anxiety related. I still think that the allergy section is the appropriate section to post my question in.

I've had blood work done, and the results will be in in a few weeks, but i'm doubtful they will show anything...

Please help, I'm trying to put on some weight, but I keep having this reaction. It happens about once a day now.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Understand your anxiety and agree with you. Up to 20% of the population perceive themselves as suffering from food allergy but only 1-2% of adults have genuine food allergies. So, if the test is negative, you may not be allergic to wheat.

Sometimes, gaining weight may not be easy, if by hereditary, you are of the “skinny body type” and one with fast metabolism. I will offer a few suggestions. Count the number of calories you eat normally and increase by about 500 calories. Keep at it for a few days and increase further more and you will notice weight gain. Drink plenty of water. Sleeping well is the easiest way to gain weight. A few exercises are known to promote weight gain, about which a trainer in a health studio may help you. Further, exercises will improve your appetite.

Stick to a good, balanced diet with high proteins and plenty of fruits and vegetables, which in addition to helping you put on weight, will keep you healthy.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.

[ChitChatNine]

Hi, please stop by and let us know how you are doing.  Anxiety can cause tightening of the throat, etc., but be careful and keep your doctor informed is good advice, too.

C~

[ngsoccer]

Thank you kindly for the response.

I got a blood test done, and showed a very small allergy to wheat. The doctor didn't even consider it an allergy.

I've basically decided that it was anxiety. I do have allergies and asthma, so these could lead to some of these symptoms.

Thanks again!

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

It is evident from your history that you could most probably be suffering from allergic rhinitis and asthma. Both these diseases are usually triggered by an allergen. The allergen can be from food also. These allergens, when exposed to initiate immune mediated reactions which will result in the symptoms you experience. The allergic history usually runs in families.

So, the problem can be tackled at three levels.

At the allergen level, where you can consult an allergy specialist, who after doing some skin tests, will be able to specify some allergens. You can either avoid exposure to these allergens or desensitize yourself.

The second level is prevention of the attacks. For this, there are steroidal sprays for allergic rhinitis and steroidal inhalers for asthma. The steroid content is very minimal in both, sprays and inhalers and long-term use will prevent attacks.

When you have an attack, you can use an antihistamine (like Cetzine) for allergic rhinitis. Cetzine is not a steroid and all antihistamines will have some sedatory effects.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.