Jump to content
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Anyone Suffered Or Suffer From Asthma/shortness Of Breathe?


Renegade

Recommended Posts

Gemini Experienced

I have asthma, severe and persistent, diagnosed by a PFT(lung function test). Have you had one of those done? I have to take Advair everyday 2/day or I will have an attack. Still I've been hospitalized twice in the last year and a half

 

Asthma and SOB are 2 different things. As others have mention you can get SOB from GERD or anxiety or anemia or other things. Maybe you should see a pulmonologist to see if it is indeed asthma. Like I said if it's asthma you will need to be on a controller medicine daily, it doesn't go away

Actually, many people who were diagnosed asthmatics have reported that their breathing problems all went away after some time on the gluten-free diet.  They don't need inhalers or meds at all.

I think there are many whose inflammation from undiagnosed Celiac shows up as breathing problems.  It's all about inflammation.  Get rid of the inflammation and the reaction to it goes away.  You may be surprised down the road to find that your breathing problems improve after following the diet for a few years.  I never believe doctors when they say certain things never go away.  If it's something caused by massive inflammation, you can never say never.  ;)


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



  • Replies 69
  • Created
  • Last Reply
GottaSki Mentor

agreed. this is why a PFT is best for diagnosis. they test before the albuterol and then you take 2 puffs of albuteral, wait 15min, and then they test again. Asthma will improve on the PFT after the albuteral but GERD or something else will not. It will also show obstructive patterns in the lungs (asthma), GERD wouldn't show an obstructive pattern. The best diagnostic tool is this test

 

Yep I had this test to rule out Asthma for my worsening lung issues.

answerseeker Enthusiast

Actually, many people who were diagnosed asthmatics have reported that their breathing problems all went away after some time on the gluten-free diet.  They don't need inhalers or meds at all.

I think there are many whose inflammation from undiagnosed Celiac shows up as breathing problems.  It's all about inflammation.  Get rid of the inflammation and the reaction to it goes away.  You may be surprised down the road to find that your breathing problems improve after following the diet for a few years.  I never believe doctors when they say certain things never go away.  If it's something caused by massive inflammation, you can never say never.  ;)

I sure hope so because it's been a thorn in my side! 2 hospitalizations in 1 yr and on prednisone 3 times has taken a toll on my body. I've read that asthma improves on gluten free diet it just hasn't been long enough for me yet

GottaSki Mentor

Actually, many people who were diagnosed asthmatics have reported that their breathing problems all went away after some time on the gluten-free diet.  They don't need inhalers or meds at all.

I think there are many whose inflammation from undiagnosed Celiac shows up as breathing problems.  It's all about inflammation.  Get rid of the inflammation and the reaction to it goes away.  You may be surprised down the road to find that your breathing problems improve after following the diet for a few years.  I never believe doctors when they say certain things never go away.  If it's something caused by massive inflammation, you can never say never.  ;)

 

I am currently reading a book entitle "Asthma as an Inflammatory Disease" simply because I ordered the wrong volume of three regarding Inflammatory Disease...and thought why not.

 

When it comes to Inflammation in the body our doctors are as woefully undereducated as they are about Functional Digestive Disorders....while I'm waiting for them to catch up -- I just keep reading ;)

answerseeker Enthusiast

Yep I had this test to rule out Asthma for my worsening lung issues.

do you have GERD too? I have GERD in addition to everything else which complicates it. Can't wait to start feeling healthy again!

GottaSki Mentor

do you have GERD too? I have GERD in addition to everything else which complicates it. Can't wait to start feeling healthy again!

 

No GERD, but son has had a variation of GERD for about 10 years.

 

Listen to Gemini....it is all about the inflammation in the body....amazing how many things are finally improving for me now that I am improving in that respect.  Sadly it did take quite a while....those of us with inflammation and other AI symptoms often take a bit longer to see improvement.

 

Hang in there :)

 

Oh...btw...I use Advair when my lungs have issue...either from heat, excercise or food intolerance I end up with some very serious breathing issues and anaphylaxis....Advair is not meant to be used as a rescue inhaler....yet it is the one that works in my case...I do not take it daily only as needed...file this under three more doctors stumped as to why it works...ER, Allergy and Primary :blink:

Renegade Contributor

Because you disagreed or had a sarcastic answer for every suggestion you were given.

I fail to see where I used sarcasm, but anyways, I appreciate everyone concern for their tips and enlightenment on this issue.


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



answerseeker Enthusiast

Oh...btw...I use Advair when my lungs have issue...either from heat, excercise or food intolerance I end up with some very serious breathing issues and anaphylaxis....Advair is not meant to be used as a rescue inhaler....yet it is the one that works in my case...I do not take it daily only as needed...file this under three more doctors stumped as to why it works...ER, Allergy and Primary :blink:

that is weird! at least you don't have to spend the $30 every month to refill it. I have an asthma app on Thursday so we wil see how well it's doing. I also have several atopic allergies pollen, dust, mold, etc. and they trigger my asthma. Are these shown to improve with eliminating gluten?

IrishHeart Veteran

do you have GERD too? I have GERD in addition to everything else which complicates it. Can't wait to start feeling healthy again!

 

I had GERD, I had shortness of breath, anemia (three types--iron def, B-12, folate) I had adult onset asthma --given an inhaler (my brother has had asthma since birth and mine was not like his) and I had weakness in my legs, etc etc. You name it, I had it. Not kidding.

 

Here's the thing, everyone----All of this can very well resolve OFF GLUTEN.

 

Inflammation causes all of these symptoms.You are inflamed right now,

 

None of you are on the GFdiet very long, so your symptoms are not yet resolved. Those of us who are gluten-free longer--Gemini, Bartful, Karen. GottaSki-, Raven--we're all telling you to be patient...Healing happens in time.

 

PS to Renegade. you mention coughing up stuff.? well, you also mention smoking pot and after you stop--even for a while--you're gonna be coughing up crap and be short of breath.

 

Just try to be patient. Healing takes a LONG TIME. MONTHS.

Going gluten-free is not a magic bullet. It takes time, patience and recovery.

 

Did I mention patience and time? ;)

Renegade Contributor

I had GERD, I had shortness of breath, anemia (three types--iron def, B-12, folate) I had adult onset asthma --given an inhaler (my brother has had asthma since birth and mine was not like his) and I had weakness in my legs, etc etc. You name it, I had it. Not kidding.

 

Here's the thing, everyone----All of this can very well resolve OFF GLUTEN.

 

Inflammation causes all of these symptoms.You are inflamed right now,

 

None of you are on the GFdiet very long, so your symptoms are not yet resolved. Those of us who are gluten-free longer--Gemini, Bartful, Karen. GottaSki-, Raven--we're all telling you to be patient...Healing happens in time.

 

PS to Renegade. you mention coughing up stuff.? well, you also mention smoking pot and after you stop--even for a while--you're gonna be coughing up crap and be short of breath.

 

Just try to be patient. Healing takes a LONG TIME. MONTHS.

Going gluten-free is not a magic bullet. It takes time, patience and recovery.

 

Did I mention patience and time? ;)

Ty that was very helpful :)

IrishHeart Veteran

Ty that was very helpful :)

 hang in there, kid.

 

The gluten-free diet is not a quick fix, I'm afraid. It took me 15 months post-Dx to turn a corner.

 

I am NOT the norm, however. I was very ill at diagnosis.

 

Most people take @ 4- 6 months to see symptom resolution.

 

One day at a time. That's all you can do and that's the honest truth.

1desperateladysaved Proficient

I have had a problem with shortness of breath.  Just recently it has been relieved.  I am about 18 months gluten free and had just quit eating all foods I had intolerances to and begun digestive enzymes and adrenal support herbs!  One day I suddenly noticed I breathed deeply!  This is exciting!

 

All the same to you,

D

ravenwoodglass Mentor

Actually, many people who were diagnosed asthmatics have reported that their breathing problems all went away after some time on the gluten-free diet.  They don't need inhalers or meds at all.

I think there are many whose inflammation from undiagnosed Celiac shows up as breathing problems.  It's all about inflammation.  Get rid of the inflammation and the reaction to it goes away.  You may be surprised down the road to find that your breathing problems improve after following the diet for a few years.  I never believe doctors when they say certain things never go away.  If it's something caused by massive inflammation, you can never say never.  ;)

Yea I am one of them. Haven't needed my Singulair or inhalor now in years.

Gemini Experienced

Yea I am one of them. Haven't needed my Singulair or inhalor now in years.

I wish my sister would listen to me.  She has Sjogren's and asthma...really bad asthma.  I used to smoke and I can outclimb her on a flight of stairs. She needs an inhalor before she gets to the top. She is not overweight either.  However, she works in a hospital and goes with the AMA and does not think outside the box...like they practice.  She thinks going gluten-free is the worst thing that can happen to you  and this from a woman who had a bout with breast cancer.  :blink:

Renegade Contributor

I wish my sister would listen to me.  She has Sjogren's and asthma...really bad asthma.  I used to smoke and I can outclimb her on a flight of stairs. She needs an inhalor before she gets to the top. She is not overweight either.  However, she works in a hospital and goes with the AMA and does not think outside the box...like they practice.  She thinks going gluten-free is the worst thing that can happen to you  and this from a woman who had a bout with breast cancer.  :blink:

Why the hell would she think going gluten-free would be bad?

JediMindTricks Newbie

With the risk of sounding like a broken record :)

 

Everything you describe I suffer from. To me it sounds like anxiety. A panic attack does not have to be a full blown episode where you freak out. Very often when I get an anxiety attack I find it difficult to breathe/shortness of breath and feel weak and clumsy.

 

This is not meant as a personal attack to you Renegade but rather a general observation of cannabis users. It always amazes me when someone complains about anxiety problems when smoking cannabis then there is a 100 posts following from pro-cannabis smokers suggesting it's the strain or the cannabis is cut with flour or something (Cannabis forums are the worst).

 

You have already said that you get panic attacks when you smoke weed; weed affects the chemicals in your brain. Smoking also cuts the amount of oxygen supplied to your brain.

 

We already know that celiac can have neurological effects on the brain and it makes sense that if there is an imbalance caused by malabsorption of nutrients or whatever then taking a drug that affects the brain is going to cause a problem.

 

Whether cannabis or celiac is the problem, I wouldn't brush this off and say it's not anxiety.

 

Hope you find the answer. All the best,

JMT 

IrishHeart Veteran

Why the hell would she think going gluten-free would be bad?

 

The same reason any of our relatives think it---that giving up their bagels, breads, pizzas and donuts is a fate worse than death and more horrible than the constant pain they suffer from their various AI diseases, GERD, "IBS" diabetes....etc.

 

They would rather symptom- treat, eat their gluteny foods, remain obese and out of breath than give them up.

They think a gluten-free diet is like being condemned to a living hell on earth.

They have their collective heads in the sand.

 

We call them "the unenlightened" :D

Renegade Contributor

The same reason any of our relatives think it---that giving up their bagels, breads, pizzas and donuts is a fate worse than death and more horrible than the constant pain they suffer from their various AI diseases, GERD, "IBS" diabetes....etc.

 

They would rather symptom- treat, eat their gluteny foods, remain obese and out of breath than give them up.

They think a gluten-free diet is like being condemned to a living hell on earth.

They have their collective heads in the sand.

 

We call them "the unenlightened" :D

I am not healthy yet but I can feel that my body is healing, everything is getting better yes even my breathe, but it's like a rollerocaster, you know? Of course you know lol.

 

I keep getting dreams about foods and knowing that I'll never be able to go to most restaurents or go eat at a feast and have those very yummy chinesse ramens but I don't really mind , if it means I'll get my old self back and hopefully a new better self that I never though I would have then by all means I'm willing to sacrifice it all.

 

Funny how all my life I tried to be as healthy as possible, exercise and rarely eat bad food and to end up in just 3 months in the worst health of my life.

IrishHeart Veteran

Kiddo,

You can live a "normal" life....it's just the "new norm".

I eat out now. I go to weddings, etc. I even dine at friends' homes--they learned about CC and they cook for me. I watch them

and I help and all's well. Life is good.

 

It's still early in your recovery. Hang in there. Soon, you will see what we are saying.

I promise.

 

It will not feel like you have sacrificed a thing, except crappy health.

Gemini Experienced

Why the hell would she think going gluten-free would be bad?

Adding to what IrishHeart already said so well.......my sister does not like to cook. She makes mashed potatoes from a box.  :o  So....preparing food to the extent that I do, all those fresh veggies and fruits that need cutting up and cleaning and steaming.....it's just too much work for her.  The whole thing about cc boggles her mind.  She was the very first person to give me the dreaded eye roll when I first ordered out at a restaurant with her after diagnosis.  I was explaining to the waitstaff about the clean grill that was needed and she just did it...I could have slapped her silly.  To put it bluntly...she eats a crap diet and doesn't want to change.

 

I should add that my sister has a very high IQ and is exceedingly book smart. But many times, people with high IQ's have a serious lack of common sense!  :lol:

IrishHeart Veteran

 But many times, people with high IQ's have a serious lack of common sense!  :lol:

 

 

ahem! I will add, just to clarify what my dear girl Gemini has said.

 

 

....people with high IQs ...who are  also "gluten headed" and not yet, following a gluten-free diet....lack common sense.

 

"cuz I have lots o'common sense: and my IQ is "purty good"

 

:)

 

and I have met many  "academians"..with big IQs who were about as street smart as a new-born babe. :lol:

flowerqueen Community Regular

Not sure what you mean by the baby crying analogy but as far as weak muscle then yes, even walking is difficult now and I haven't exercise in 2 weeks because I feel too weak, it actually worsen since I went gluten free, Initially it didn't.

I can't think of any other way of describing the shortness of breath, but the weak muscle problem is something I had, and I was walking with a stick, but couldn't walk far. At the moment I have muscle weakness again and this time am wondering weather it's magnesium or vitamin B deficiency. (I have other medical conditions) at the time of diagnosis it was the iron that was the problem - I seem to go from one thing to another, as far as deficiencies go.

In the UK we get our blood tests on NHS but realise it's not the same in other countries. I don't know what else to suggest other than get vitamin and mineral levels checked.

Renegade Contributor

Yep, that's the plan, hopefully i can find the energy to survive and not die until then and show up to work everyday.

flowerqueen Community Regular

There are a minority of people that have celiac disease whom do not get better on gluten free alone and need help from steroids. So take care. In the meantime, do you use a food journal, in case there is anything you may have missed?

Renegade Contributor

There are a minority of people that have celiac disease whom do not get better on gluten free alone and need help from steroids. So take care. In the meantime, do you use a food journal, in case there is anything you may have missed?

 

No, I don't need to, I always eat the same things and I remember everything I eat.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,552
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    judytay080
    Newest Member
    judytay080
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      Your post demonstrates the profound frustration and isolation that so many in the Celiac community feel, and I want to thank you for channeling that experience into advocacy. The medical gaslighting you endured for decades is an unacceptable and, sadly, a common story, and the fact that you now have to "school" your own GI specialist speaks volumes about the critical lack of consistent and updated education. Your idea to make Celiac Disease a reportable condition to public health authorities is a compelling and strategic one. This single action would force the system to formally acknowledge the prevalence and seriousness of the disease, creating a concrete dataset that could drive better research funding, shape medical school curricula, and validate the patient experience in a way that individual stories alone often cannot. It is an uphill battle, but contacting representatives, as you have done with Adam Gray, is exactly how change begins. By framing it as a public health necessity—a matter of patient safety and protection from misdiagnosis and neglect—you are building a powerful case. Your voice and your perseverance, forged through thirty years of struggle, are exactly what this community needs to ensure that no one else has to fight so hard just to be believed and properly cared for.
    • Scott Adams
      I had no idea there is a "Louisville" in Colorado!😉 I thought it was a typo because I always think of the Kentucky city--but good luck!
    • Scott Adams
      Navigating medication safety with Celiac disease can be incredibly stressful, especially when dealing with asthma and severe allergies on top of it. While I don't have personal experience with the HealthA2Z brand of cetirizine, your caution is absolutely warranted. The inactive ingredients in pills, known as excipients, are often where gluten can be hidden, and since the FDA does not require gluten-free labeling for prescription or over-the-counter drugs, the manufacturer's word is essential. The fact that you cannot get a clear answer from Allegiant Health is a significant red flag; a company that is confident its product is gluten-free will typically have a customer service protocol to answer that exact question. In situations like this, the safest course of action is to consider this product "guilty until proven innocent" and avoid it. A better alternative would be to ask your pharmacist or doctor to help you identify a major national brand of cetirizine (like Zyrtec) whose manufacturer has a verified, publicly stated gluten-free policy for that specific medication. It's not worth the risk to your health when reliable, verifiable options are almost certainly available to you. You can search this site for USA prescriptions medications, but will need to know the manufacturer/maker if there is more than one, especially if you use a generic version of the medication: To see the ingredients you will need to click on the correct version of the medication and maker in the results, then scroll down to "Ingredients and Appearance" and click it, and then look at "Inactive Ingredients," as any gluten ingredients would likely appear there, rather than in the Active Ingredients area. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/   
    • Scott Adams
      What you're describing is indeed familiar to many in the Celiac community, especially in the early stages of healing. When the intestinal villi are damaged from Celiac disease, they struggle to properly digest and absorb fats, a condition known as bile acid malabsorption. This can cause exactly the kind of cramping and spasms you're seeing, as undigested fats can irritate the sensitive gut lining. It is highly plausible that her reactions to dairy and eggs are linked to their higher fat content rather than the proteins, especially since she tolerates lean chicken breast. The great news is that for many, this does improve with time. As her gut continues to heal on a strict gluten-free diet, her ability to produce the necessary enzymes and bile to break down fats should gradually return, allowing her to slowly tolerate a wider variety of foods. It's a slow process of healing, but your careful approach of focusing on low-fat, nutrient-dense foods like seeds and avocado is providing her system the best possible environment to recover. Many people with celiac disease, especially those who are in the 0-2 year range of their recovery, have additional food intolerance issues which could be temporary. To figure this out you may need to keep a food diary and do an elimination diet over a few months. Some common food intolerance issues are dairy/casein, eggs, corn, oats, and soy. The good news is that after your gut heals (for most people who are 100% gluten-free this will take several months to two years) you may be able to slowly add some these items back into your diet after the damaged villi heal. This article may be helpful: Thank you for sharing your story—it's a valuable insight for other parents navigating similar challenges.
    • Beverage
      I had a very rough month after diagnosis. No exaggeration, lost so much inflammatory weight, I looked like a bag of bones, underneath i had been literally starving to death. I did start feeling noticeably better after a month of very strict control of my kitchen and home. What are you eating for breakfast and lunch? I ignored my doc and ate oats, yes they were gluten free, but some brands are at the higher end of gluten free. Lots of celics can eat Bob's Red Mill gluten-free oats, but not me. I can now eat them, but they have to be grown and processed according to the "purity protocol" methods. I mail order them, Montana Gluten-Free brand. A food and symptoms and activities log can be helpful in tracking down issues. You might be totally aware, but I have to mention about the risk of airborne gluten. As the doc that diagnosed me warned . . Remember eyes, ears, nose, and mouth all lead to your stomach and intestines.  Are you getting any cross contamination? Airborne gluten? Any pets eating gluten (they eat it, lick themselves, you pet them...)? Any house remodeling? We live in an older home, always fixing something. I've gotten glutened from the dust from cutting into plaster walls, possibly also plywood (glues). The suggestions by many here on vitamin supplements also really helped me. I had some lingering allergies and asthma, which are now 99% gone. I was taking Albuterol inhaler every hour just to breathe, but thiamine in form of benfotiamine kicked that down to 1-2 times a day within a few days of starting it. Also, since cutting out inflammatory seed oils (canola, sunflower, grapeseed, etc) and cooking with real olive oil, avocado oil, ghee, and coconut oil, I have noticed even greater improvement overall and haven't used the inhaler in months! It takes time to weed out everything in your life that contains gluten, and it takes awhile to heal and rebuild your health. At first it's mentally exhausting, overwhelming, even obsessive, but it gets better and second nature.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.