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Bumps In Throat?

bakergirl90

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bakergirl90 Apprentice
bakergirl90
Posted

So I have had what I can only describe as "Cobblestone throat" for months now. It looks like small acne or boils in the back of my throat, around my uvula and tonsils, there are some on my tonsils too. I'm pretty sure it is caused by my acid reflux and when I went into the doctor over a month ago, they agreed that acid reflux was probably the cause. But what is causing the reflux?? Because I have never major problems with it until after my diagnosis and going gluten free. The doctors tried to give me several different PPI's and other acid inhibitors and that just made the problem worse! My throat was even more inflamed and red.

At one point I lost my voice, I was coughing into the night and it was painful.

So I have been trying the natural route, taking supplements (Zinc Carnosine, L-Glutamine, Digestive enzymes). And they seem to help for a while, and my throat will look like it is starting to heal, but then it starts getting worse again. 

My throat is also always reddish looking back there, not bleeding or anything but just looks inflamed and sore. I always feel like I have cotton ball in my throat, my ears occasionally hurt and it is a little difficult to swallow. I also get randomly drained of energy, get headaches or a wave of brain fog hits me after eating sometimes. It all comes and goes. I for some reason am having a lot of trouble pinpointing what is causing all this.

 

I have tried staying away from all the things they say to stay away from with acid reflux, coffee, chocolate, alcohol, citrus, tomato, etc. etc. I do have some of these things on occasion, but very sparingly. But I really don't feel like those things are what is causing my reflux and throat issues. I have NEVER, and may I repeat NEVER had a major problem with acid reflux or heartburn before Celiac diagnosis. So it has to be related somehow.

I'm also very careful with my gluten free diet. I rarely go out to eat, and when I do, I am as careful as can be. So I'm pretty sure it's not gluten causing my problems.

 

I was going to try and fight for a nutritionist because my insurance denied me one, but from what it sounds like, they are probably not going to be able to help me either, I will just be wasting energy and time. And most don't know anything about Celiac, so here I am, asking you guys 5 zillion questions! So I apologize in advance. I just feel like the advice I get here is usually more helpful than any doctor I have seen. 

So what my real question here is, can an additional food intolerance cause acid reflux/throat issues? Like Dairy for example? I was avoiding it for a while but have added it back into my diet because I felt like I could handle it again, and I have no idea what food could be causing this. Is there anything else anyone can think of that is causing this reflux and throat issue?? 

 

I am going back to the doctor on monday so they can look at it again and probably not be able to help me. Should I ask if they can do a food intolerance test on me? 

 

For the most part, I have been feeling better than I have in a while, which is great. But this thing with my throat, and random episodes of fatigue/brain fog has been getting on my nerves and kind of scaring me. I'm praying it doesn't continue and lead to complications. 

If anyone has any advice or insight please let me know! I have been getting really discouraged by this. 

Thank you!!

 

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ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted

Have you seen an ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctor? If not perhaps make an appointment with one. You also might consider seeing an allergist in case this is an environmental allergy unrelated to food. It sounds like it is making you miserable so I hope they find the cause soon. 

mommida Enthusiast
mommida
Posted

Have you been scoped and tested for Eosinophilic Esohagitis?

bakergirl90 Apprentice
bakergirl90
Posted
  • Author

Have you been scoped and tested for Eosinophilic Esohagitis?

I have been scoped back in August after I was diagnosed. But I haven't since then. At the time I wasn't having these problems. I have had them off and on since October.  I went to the doctor today and he actually thinks it might be Eosinophilic Esophagitis, He prescribed me Flonase and Singulair, I have tried the flonase already today and have noticed a little bit of a difference. Trying not to get my hopes up too much. But it is seeming like that is what the problem is, and hoping this stuff helps! 

mommida Enthusiast
mommida
Posted

Back when my daughter was diagnosed allergy testing was suggested.  She went on an elimination diet to try and identify food "triggers".  The elimination diet was avoiding all top allergens and peas.  During that time she tried some amino acid formulas to help get extra nutrition without a reaction.  And keep in mind that once the eosinophils are activated they can continue causing damage for up to 12 days.  She had a follow up scope to see if the diet helped.  (It did she was clear of all damage.)  Then she challenged each suspect food back into her diet. 

 

Take your time chewing your food.  Slurpees are somewhat considered "non-food" and can be very soothing to your throat.  Cucumbers, honey, teas, and lettuce were also soothing for her.

bakergirl90 Apprentice
bakergirl90
Posted
  • Author

Back when my daughter was diagnosed allergy testing was suggested.  She went on an elimination diet to try and identify food "triggers".  The elimination diet was avoiding all top allergens and peas.  During that time she tried some amino acid formulas to help get extra nutrition without a reaction.  And keep in mind that once the eosinophils are activated they can continue causing damage for up to 12 days.  She had a follow up scope to see if the diet helped.  (It did she was clear of all damage.)  Then she challenged each suspect food back into her diet. 

 

Take your time chewing your food.  Slurpees are somewhat considered "non-food" and can be very soothing to your throat.  Cucumbers, honey, teas, and lettuce were also soothing for her.

Thanks! 

I'm not for certain that is what the problem is, for all the doctor and I know I could just have bad seasonal allergies. It seems to get bad again once I go outside, open the door, etc. I live in Georgia and the pollen counts have been crazy high all month. Basically the doctor has me on all this medication for a month and if I still haven't improved or am having lingering symptoms by the end of a months time, then they will probably send me off to get testing done for eosinophilic esophagitis. I am kind of hoping I don't have it... It sounds like a headache and like I won't be able to eat anything! And I already feel that way... Or at the very least if I have it, I hope I am only allergic to one food and not 3 or 4 like I have read some people are with that condition... Is your daughter allergic to more than one food?? Having Celiac is enough!!! 

mommida Enthusiast
mommida
Posted

oops!  I forgot to mention that there can be a seasonal allergy connection.  In my daughter's case, late summer and early fall bring on more symptoms and then when a deep freeze hits she starts feeling better.  (6 year pattern)  If you can write a journal and keep track of air quality, activities and foods.

 

Heavy abdominal workouts can make symptoms worse.  Are you experiencing severe GERD like symptoms. Puking a small amount suddenly? Laying down at night was especially bad, so we put a board under the mattress and wedges to lift her head for sleeping.

 

Visible damage can be instantly diagnosed during an

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  • 4 weeks later...
BoJonJovi Newbie
BoJonJovi
Posted

If it truly gerd you may want to get a script for an acid reducer. Gerd can severly damage your esophagus which will present a whole host of new problems. 

bakergirl90 Apprentice
bakergirl90
Posted
  • Author

If it truly gerd you may want to get a script for an acid reducer. Gerd can severly damage your esophagus which will present a whole host of new problems. 

I took acid reducers for just a short time.. and all it did was make it ten times worse. I took nexium and also zantac. Not at the same time. And both made it worse. I would wake up with coughing fits in the middle of the night. My throat hurt even more and it was even more red. So I am not taking those again. 

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

Are you feeling better, BakerGirl? Is the pollen count down? Do you think allergies triggered your symptoms?

Peaceful Newbie
Peaceful
Posted

Are the bumps white?  Could they be tonsilloliths or tonsil stones?  They are harmless for the most part and often pop out on their own with time.  I used to get those all the time before I went gluten-free in 06.

bakergirl90 Apprentice
bakergirl90
Posted
  • Author

Cycling Lady: The pollen counts are coming down, and I definitely think I have allergies. I have been taking flonase and singulair for that and I think it helps, But I am starting to think the reflux and bumps in my throat are coming from repeated gluten exposure. I don't think I have been being as careful as I should be. And I am really kicking myself. 

 

My reflux episodes tend to be happening after a night of drinking ( I have been going out to the bar a lot the last two months with friends) or after I have gone out to eat sometimes. And it lasts at least a couple days and starts to get better as the week progresses. I thought I maybe had another food sensitivity or something else that was causing the reflux. 

But I really think I am glutening myself and that the reflux is caused from it. 
When I have gone out to drink, I usually take shots of Captain Morgan, Tequila and the last time I went I had fireball whiskey (not sure if this is even safe???) I just assumed it was okay, I assumed most liquor was okay because of the distillation process (besides the flavored stuff). Can celiacs really react to certain alcohols? I feel so stupid now. I am definitely not drinking for a while now... It's just bad for anyone to drink a lot anyway. I just like to go out and have fun once in a while you know??? 

Yesterday I went to a restaurant for lunch in Atlanta called Bantam and Biddy with my friends, and I always feel safe eating there. More than half the menu is gluten free and they take it very seriously, making everything gluten free away from everything else. They actually know what Celiac is, and I always let them know I need my food to be prepared carefully. 

I had an iced latte with no flavoring from starbucks and then I ate at Chipotle for dinner... but I never ask for them to change their gloves, I didn't really think that I could get sick from someone not changing gloves, they use spoons for all the stuff I even get in my burrito bowl, so I assumed I would be fine... I guess I was wrong?? 

Because last night before bed I had the worse brain foggy feeling and just feeling off, and my stomach is uncomfortable....But its not really in pain. Today I have a bad headache, lingering brain fog and my energy levels are way down. I couldn't even do my yoga this morning. And on comes the reflux... I had gluten freeda oatmeal this morning which is super safe.. and I am burping and having burning in my esophagus.. the reflux I had all last week was already almost gone yesterday.. and now its back! :(

Do any of you get reflux episodes days after getting exposed to gluten? Is this a common symptom? I am really starting to think it's one of mine. Because every time the reflux starts up again, I also don't have much energy, I am grouchy, I get headaches and slight stomach discomfort. It's the only thing that makes sense anymore. 

 

I have known I have had Celiac for almost a year, and I definitely have gotten tremendously better than I was, But I feel like I keep struggling to find out what is really safe and what isn't. 

I know now I really should be more careful, I just assumed I would be fine, But I think I am one of those unlucky few who has delayed symptoms and then I end up assuming they were caused from something else and not possible gluten exposure. 

Is anyone else like this??? I just hate hate hate it and want to be able live my life without worrying about food and beverages all the time. Just not going out to eat or drinking for a month or more and seeing how I feel! 

 

Thanks for all the advice, support and ideas everyone!! You have no idea how much it helps to know I have all of you to talk to about my problems! 

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