Re: Re:Managing allergic reactions -- some questions

[Guest guest]

I hope you will see a doctor to discuss an EpiPen. Anaphylactic shock is not something to take lightly. You are fortunate in that you have some indication of a possible problem, so you can learn what steps are appropriate.

I'd never had any symptoms of food allergy -- until one night I found myself completely unable to breathe. Fortunately, I was very close to an emergency room by the time I got to that stage, so I'm here to write! Not everyone is so lucky.

H.

In a message dated 1/22/08 12:42:13 PM, pknewbury@... writes:

Even so, other than using an EpiPen to avoid anaphylaxis, they don’t have any suggestions for alleviating the problem other than avoiding wheat.  For Adian, I’d recommend seeing a doctor to evaluate the need for an EpiPen, as such reactions can become more severe over time.

Pam

**************Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape. http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489

[Guest guest]

Side note:  Two different G.I.s had asked

me if I lived close to a bakery (this was when I was extremely sick and beyond

sensitive) – so there may be something to it…and b/4 I was

diagnosed I lived right next to one and a year and a few months ago when things

turned on me again I was living behind…I think it was coincidental, but

not ruling it out.

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Pam Newbury

Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2008

12:40 PM

Subject: RE: [ ]

Re:Managing allergic reactions -- some questions

,

If someone breaths in airborne gluten through their mouth

(either through breathing or talking) they would be ingesting airborne gluten;

I think it is also possible to ingest gluten through the sinuses. Burned

gluten is also more reactive than otherwise since the burning exposes the

protein more directly (this is my layperson’s take on a very complex chemical

process); thus the concern about the small crumbs of gluten in toasters and in

deep fryers.

Whether CD is an “allergic reaction” or not seems to

vary depending on who you talk to; I have heard different doctors refer to CD

as “the only true allergy” and “not an allergy at

all,” so I gave up long ago on trying to sort that one out.

Regardless, you do have a point that there may be an

anaphylactic reaction going on (whether this is because of, in addition to, or

part of the actual celiac disease is irrelevant as far as I’m concerned)

that Adian should look into, especially as such reactions can be

life-threatening if not treated properly. I did a bit of quick research

on this and came up with a good article (which, by the way, describes CD as

both different from a wheat allergy and “an allergic reaction caused by

gluten”; go figure) on wheat allergies from the Mayo Clinic.

I have included a few excerpts below, but I suggest that anyone interested

should read the whole article.

Even so, other than using an EpiPen to avoid anaphylaxis, they

don’t have any suggestions for alleviating the problem other than

avoiding wheat. For Adian, I’d recommend seeing a doctor to

evaluate the need for an EpiPen, as such reactions can become more severe over

time.

Pam

Here is the link to the referenced article:

http://www.ohiohealth.com/bodymayo.cfm?id=6 & action=detail & ref=3957

…and some excerpts:

Not all reactions to wheat are caused by

wheat allergy. Some people have a digestive reaction to a sticky protein called

gluten that's found in wheat and other grains. This reaction to gluten differs

from a wheat allergy. It can be caused by an inability to digest gluten (gluten

intolerance) or by an allergic reaction to gluten known as celiac disease or

gluten sensitive enteropathy.

If your doctor suspects your symptoms

are caused by something other than a food allergy, you may need other tests to

identify — or rule out — other medical problems. If you have

digestive problems, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain or bloating, or you also

have a reaction to grains other than wheat, your doctor may want to do tests to

rule out gluten intolerance or celiac disease — an allergic reaction

caused by gluten.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of wheat allergy can include:

Swelling, itching or

irritation of the mouth or throat

Hives or skin

irritation

Nasal congestion

Airway inflammation

Gastrointestinal

symptoms such as cramps, nausea and vomiting

Allergy symptoms differ from person to person and generally

occur a few minutes to a few hours after wheat's been ingested. In some people,

allergic reactions occur:

When exercising after

eating wheat

From inhaled flour in

the workplace (sometimes called bakers' asthma)

Anaphylaxis

Some people have a severe reaction to wheat called anaphylaxis. This is a

medical emergency and requires treatment with an epinephrine (adrenaline) shot

and a trip to the emergency room. Signs and symptoms start within seconds to

two hours after eating wheat and can include:

Constriction of

airways, including a swollen throat or a lump in your throat that makes it

difficult to breathe

Shock, with a severe

drop in blood pressure

Rapid pulse

Dizziness,

lightheadedness or loss of consciousness

When to seek medical advice

See a doctor or allergist if you experience food allergy

symptoms shortly after eating. If possible, see your doctor when the allergic

reaction is occurring. This will aid in making a diagnosis.

Seek emergency treatment if you develop any signs or symptoms of

anaphylaxis, such as:

Constriction of

airways that makes it difficult to breathe

Shock, with a severe

drop in blood pressure

Rapid pulse

Dizziness or

lightheadedness

From:

[mailto: ]

On Behalf Of Linden

Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2008

11:42 AM

Subject: [ ]

Re:Managing allergic reactions -- some questions

Hi,

I'm sorry to hear

about your attack. What you described would not be as a result of Celiac

Disease -- which is not actually an allergy, but an intolerance, and the gluten

has to be ingested for there to be a response. So if you walked into a room and

your throat immediately closed up...that sounds like an allergic reaction --

perhaps it is a wheat allergy (perhaps in addition to gluten intolerance, if

you have that too), or maybe you're allergic to something else in that living

space.

good luck,

L²

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