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

Sinus Issues?


zip2play

Recommended Posts

zip2play Apprentice

This year I have had major sinus issues. They just clear up, I have a week break and then BAM back again.

Is this just me? Is it related due to the autoimmune nature of the disease? Allergies?

Any help is appreciated!

Monica


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



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



swittenauer Enthusiast

I'd be curious to know that to since my husband has horrible sinus problems. I never put the two together though.

Guest CD_Surviver

what do you mean by sinus issues? sinus infefctions? well i used to get sinus infections constantly and they would last about two weeks go away and then days later i would have another one. this cycle only happened in the winter for me cause i live in Ohio and the cold weather bothered me but i never thought it could be associated with celiac disease. but this last winter i didnt get these sinus infections and i dont know why but it might be because i was on a gluten-free diet because i didnt really take the diet really really seriously until about 2-3 years ago because i was so young when i had been diagnosed and didnt want to change and i didnt know all the affects until just a few years ago. i did get sick of the infectioins but i never went to te doctor to antibiotics. then in may i got my first one of the year and it was really bad so i went to the doctor and it ended up that the antibiotics i was taking was NOT garenteed gluten-free. so got sick from it and i some sort of skin rash that was horrible. so i have vowed to never take antibiotics again!

Lauren

wolfie Enthusiast

I was just saying last night (knock on wood) that I haven't had a sinus infection an a long time, very unusual for me. I used to get them all the time before going gluten-free. Is it connected? I don't know, but I am not complaining! LOL!

dlp252 Apprentice
what do you mean by sinus issues? sinus infefctions? well i used to get sinus infections constantly and they would last about two weeks go away and then days later i would have another one.

DITTO!! Except mine went all year long. I went gluten free in November and added dairy free in December and haven't had a single sinus infection since then. My nasal passages are also clearer in general, even my ENT was pleasantly surprised. Since I did both dairy and gluten so close together I am not sure which one did the trick or if it was a combo thing, but I'm just happy I am not sick any more. I spent the entire month of October and the first couple of weeks of November with strep throat, sinus infection and ear infection.

Guest GlutenFreeGirlfriend

My boyfriend has been gluten free for three years now, and he still has horrible problems with his sinuses. It seems like there is some kind of connection between that and Celiac.

lindalee Enthusiast

Sinus problems are fungus. They sell a sinus cleanser at the drug store that cleans them out. It looks like a aladins lamp. It is about $10. The one I use is at www.sinuscleanser.com. I bought mine at bioinnovations. Cleared mine up along with a dap of neosporum . It is difficult to get fungus off the hairs so that did the trick. Sinus problems can cause all kinds of problems. Hope that helps. LindaLee


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



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



plantime Contributor

My sinus infections were bacterial, and caused by swollen sinuses. When I quit eating wheat, almost all of the swelling went away, as did all of the infections. I have an allergy to grasses, though, which wheat is.

dlp252 Apprentice

Mine were also not fungal, I tried all the washes and even colloidal silver, with no relief.

Guest GlutenFreeGirlfriend

My boyfriend uses a Neti Pot, which he says gives him some relief if he uses it a couple times a day, but unfortunately it hasn't helped him too much. I want him to go see an ENT dr. but he's not too keen on the idea.

trents Grand Master

About a year and a half ago I went to an ENT because of chronic congestin and post nasal drip/coughing during the night which interferred with my sleep. He did a CAT scan and showed me the films. I had infection in the right maxillary sinus and a polyp partially obstructing the outlet. I was really surprized since I wasn't having pain/pressure or the classic thick, yellow discharge at the time. This was about 1 year after celiac dx and going gluten free. The ENT put me on a long-term regimine of tetracycline (six plus months). At the end of that time I inquired about another scan to check the infection since I wasn't sure if anything had changed. He was not inclined to do that. I still have nights and days when I'm stuffy and congested but not as frequent, maybe once or twice a week. Sometimes it seems to me to be related to changes in the weather which, here in the Pacific Northwest is about every 18-24 hours during the Fall, Winter and early Spring. I also wonder if the congestion and stuffiness is related to other food sensitivities/allergies besides gluten.

Having said all that, in other respects, I'm definitely healthier since going gluten free. I used to get two or three bad colds a year before dx. I can't remember the last time I had a bad cold since going gluten free. Of course, the kids grew up and moved out of the house about that same time so that probably helped to. Less sources of germs, if you know what I mean.

eleep Enthusiast

I was once told that my on/off issues with sinusitis were based on allergies and not bacteria because the "filters" in my nose were bluish (took a while for me to figure out that this was a medical term for boogers). This made no sense to me at the time because I grew up in upstate New York where I'd had horrific hay fever in the summers and I hadn't experienced any of the same watery eye/sneezy stuff since moving to Florida for school. However, sure enough, taking Claritin during oak pollen season and using saline spray seemed to clear it all up.

This past March, however, I didn't need to do either of those things -- no sinus issues whatsoever -- and my car was covered with a layer of oak pollen so thick I could write my name on it.

Lymetoo Contributor

Avoid dairy for SURE if you have sinus problems. I think it's also a bad year for allergies. Has been here.

trents Grand Master

Yea, I seem to have lots of "filters".

lindalee Enthusiast
Avoid dairy for SURE if you have sinus problems. I think it's also a bad year for allergies. Has been here.

Yes, I think the dairy causes mucus. I started avoiding that when I had the sinus issues. I went the natural way by cleansing-to stop that stuff from traveling other places on the insides. LindaLee

jerseyangel Proficient

I stopped eating dairy 2 years ago, and have not had any sinus problems since--I used to get them a lot before.

azmom3 Contributor
This year I have had major sinus issues. They just clear up, I have a week break and then BAM back again.

Is this just me? Is it related due to the autoimmune nature of the disease? Allergies?

Any help is appreciated!

Monica

I'm really starting to think I am celiac after reading all these different posts as so many of these stories sound like me. My son was just diagnosed so I will be tested soon....maybe I'll finally get answers to decades of problems. I had the same sinus issues this winter. I went through 3 rounds of antibiotics over 2 1/2 months and just couldn't get the thing to clear up. It kept going from my nose, to my throat, to total chest congestion, then a day or two of some relief and it would start back in my nose again. And the headaches that went along with it....AHHHHH! And so tiring! I'm thinking my doc ended up giving me a steroid to reduce the inflammation, but I can't remember for sure. Good luck to you and I bet there is a connection!

burdee Enthusiast

I had lifelong (57 years) 'hayfever', chronic sinus allergies, constant stuffiness, postnasal drip, and frequent colds which often became sinus infections BEFORE I went off dairy. After my Enterolab diagnosis (gluten and dairy intolerance), I abstained from dairy and can BREATHE ALL THE TIME!!! I've had NO winter allergies, no sinus infections, only sore throat and runny nose from the 2 colds I developed, and much less summer allergies (sneezing and watery eyes occasionally). I still can't tolerate cat hair dander for more than a few minutes, but all my other respiratory allergies and infections disappeared after I abstained from dairy. If anybody has chronic sinus infections or allergies, get off dairy ASAP.

BURDEE

Guest adamssa

hello!

right now i am trying to get rid of a HORRIBLE sinus infection that i've had for months in the right nostril. no a traditional one, no mucus problems but still the pain. (guess I will have to suck it up and flush with salt). sinusbuster (sinusbuster.com) and D-Hist have helped a lot though, but still haven't managed to kill it. it does seem to me like there is some connection between celiac and sinus problems, it seems like celiac can give you problems all over your body. but, just so u know i haven't got an official celiac diagnosis but going of gluten has helped me a lot so i'm going to get tested.

Sara

taz sharratt Enthusiast
This year I have had major sinus issues. They just clear up, I have a week break and then BAM back again.

Is this just me? Is it related due to the autoimmune nature of the disease? Allergies?

Any help is appreciated!

Monica

havent checked out the other posts yet, but i used to suffer a lot, couldnt get out of bed as too dizzy from the mucus trapped in my head, it was really bad, summer is the worst time for altho i do get in the winter the summer i was in bed an awfull lot. anyway since ive been gluten free since may this year i haventhad 1 infection yet( fingers crossed).the odd runny nose and headache but not too bead. dont know how anyone else feels but i ceratainly put it down to celiac.

zip2play Apprentice

I am very reluctant to give up dairy. But if it will help, I may need to look into it!

Monica

D-mentias Newbie

I have had sinus or more likely mucus mebrane issues all my life leading to quite serious chest and sinus disease. This is most likely caused by a genetic condition called PCD or Primary Cilary dyskenesia where the hair like sweeper structutres on mucus membrane tissue work ineffectively.

Over the years this has lead me to having chronic infection causing quite serious and permanant lung damage. I have only 45% of lung function left and am unable to work.

I went gluten free after my kids were suspected of coeliac disease.One of the welcome and unexpected benefits was an improvement in lung function of about 20%. Somehow ingestion of gluten was causing inflamation in my airways.

The sini act as a filter for your airways.Swollen mucus filled sini are trying to prevent incompatable substances reach your lower airways.

I probably got both genes PCD and celiac disease. Just unlucky. But if you are sesitive to a substance your swollen congested sini are probably overwaorked trying to protect you.

Archived

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

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Donate

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):





    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):




  • Recent Activity

    1. - klmgarland replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      2

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

    2. - Scott Adams replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      2

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

    3. - Scott Adams replied to Jmartes71's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      1

      My only proof

    4. - Scott Adams replied to Colleen H's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      1

      Methylprednisone treatment for inflammation?

    5. - Scott Adams replied to ElenaM's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      1

      I think I am gluten intolerant


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,906
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    Dakota4
    Newest Member
    Dakota4
    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

    • klmgarland
      Thank you so very much Scott.  Just having someone understand my situation is so very helpful.  If I have one more family member ask me how my little itchy skin thing is going and can't you just take a pill and it will go away and just a little bit of gluten can't hurt you!!!! I think I will scream!!
    • Scott Adams
      It is difficult to do the detective work of tracking down hidden sources of cross-contamination. The scenarios you described—the kiss, the dish towel, the toaster, the grandbaby's fingers—are all classic ways those with dermatitis herpetiformis might get glutened, and it's a brutal learning curve that the medical world rarely prepares you for. It is difficult to have to deal with such hyper-vigilance. The fact that you have made your entire home environment, from makeup to cleaners, gluten-free is a big achievement, but it's clear the external world and shared spaces remain a minefield. Considering Dapsone is a logical and often necessary step for many with DH to break the cycle of itching and allow the skin to heal while you continue your detective work; it is a powerful tool to give you back your quality of life and sleep. You are not failing; you are fighting an incredibly steep battle. For a more specific direction, connecting with a dedicated celiac support group (online or locally) can be invaluable, as members exchange the most current, real-world tips for avoiding cross-contamination that you simply won't find in a pamphlet. You have already done the hardest part by getting a correct diagnosis. Now, the community can help you navigate the rest. If you have DH you will likely also want to avoid iodine, which is common in seafoods and dairy products, as it can exacerbate symptoms in some people. This article may also be helpful as it offers various ways to relieve the itch:  
    • Scott Adams
      It's very frustrating to be dismissed by medical professionals, especially when you are the one living with the reality of your condition every day. Having to be your own advocate and "fight" for a doctor who will listen is an exhausting burden that no one should have to carry. While that 1998 brochure is a crucial piece of your personal history, it's infuriating that the medical system often requires more contemporary, formal documentation to take a condition seriously. It's a common and deeply unfair situation for those who were diagnosed decades ago, before current record-keeping and testing were standard. You are not alone in this struggle.
    • Scott Adams
      Methylprednisolone is sometimes prescribed for significant inflammation of the stomach and intestines, particularly for conditions like Crohn's disease, certain types of severe colitis, or autoimmune-related gastrointestinal inflammation. As a corticosteroid, it works by powerfully and quickly suppressing the immune system's inflammatory response. For many people, it can be very effective at reducing inflammation and providing rapid relief from symptoms like pain, diarrhea, and bleeding, often serving as a short-term "rescue" treatment to bring a severe flare under control. However, experiences can vary, and its effectiveness depends heavily on the specific cause of the inflammation. It's also important to be aware that while it can work well, it comes with potential side effects, especially with longer-term use, so it's typically used for the shortest duration possible under close medical supervision. It's always best to discuss the potential benefits and risks specific to your situation with your gastroenterologist.
    • Scott Adams
      Based on what you've described, it is absolutely possible you are dealing with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS).  Approximately 10x more people have non-celiac gluten sensitivity than have celiac disease, but there isn’t yet a test for NCGS. If your symptoms go away on a gluten-free diet it would likely signal NCGS.   Your situation is a classic presentation: a negative celiac panel but a clear, recurring pattern of symptoms triggered by gluten. The symptoms you listed—particularly the extreme fatigue, bloating, neurological-psychiatric symptoms like depression and anxiety, and even the skin manifestations like facial flushing—are all well-documented in research on NCGS. It's important to know that you are not alone in experiencing this specific combination of physical and emotional reactions. The only way to know for sure is to commit to a strict, 100% gluten-free diet under the guidance of a doctor or dietitian for a period of several weeks to see if your symptoms significantly improve. It is also crucial to rule out other potential causes, so discussing these symptoms with a gastroenterologist is a very important next step.
×
×
  • 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.