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

Hay Fever Reaction When Glutened?

holdthegluten

Recommended Posts

holdthegluten Rising Star
holdthegluten
Posted

Does anyone else a hay fever feeling when glutened. Pressure between the eyes and a headache. It feels like spring allergies, but it only happens when glutened. Anyone else get the stuffy head feeling.

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Guhlia Rising Star
Guhlia
Posted

Absolutely! It's even worse this time of year when my real hay fever is going nuts. Ugh...

hathor Contributor
hathor
Posted

That is my immediate reaction. I not only get a stuffy head, I go into sneezing fits for about 5-10 minutes & my eyes & nose run like crazy. A little later gastrointestinal things happen. Then next day the brain fog moves in.

gfp Enthusiast
gfp
Posted
Absolutely! It's even worse this time of year when my real hay fever is going nuts. Ugh...

Dunno about you but mine is REAL hayfever...

That is I don't have hay fever unless I'm glutened (perhaps the slightest touch) but when I am I get hayfever and anti-histamines work so its a real allergy (IgE) reaction.... same goes for other allergies I have like lavendar and geranium... both dissapear when Im gluten-free well lavendar oil goes from a severe blistered rash to a little red....

Ursa Major Collaborator
Ursa Major
Posted
Dunno about you but mine is REAL hayfever...

That is I don't have hay fever unless I'm glutened (perhaps the slightest touch) but when I am I get hayfever and anti-histamines work so its a real allergy (IgE) reaction.... same goes for other allergies I have like lavendar and geranium... both dissapear when Im gluten-free well lavendar oil goes from a severe blistered rash to a little red....

Steve, I would never have thought of it this way! But you're right, now that I think about it. Whenever I am glutened (or 'dairied' or other intolerances), my allergies go into overdrive. And antihistamines do work for those allergy symptoms for me as well.

Thanks for mentioning that, you learn something new every day when reading posts!

Jestgar Rising Star
Jestgar
Posted
Whenever I am glutened (or 'dairied' or other intolerances), .....

When you're feeling "intolerant"? :P

Ursa Major Collaborator
Ursa Major
Posted
When you're feeling "intolerant"? :P

Yep! :ph34r:

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


gfp Enthusiast
gfp
Posted
Steve, I would never have thought of it this way! But you're right, now that I think about it. Whenever I am glutened (or 'dairied' or other intolerances), my allergies go into overdrive. And antihistamines do work for those allergy symptoms for me as well.

Thanks for mentioning that, you learn something new every day when reading posts!

Yep, I find it interesting... I think conventional wisdom would say the antibody reactions are unlinked but this leaves me with 2 possibilities I guess...

1/ I'm also allergic to wheat and hence have an IgE reaction

2/ The immune system is more complex than medicine understands...

My "normal hay fever level" is one I wouldn't take meds for except perhaps a spray when pollen count is highest... if I'm glutend though its a misery..

Just throwing this in but does anyone else have a photosensitive reaction to the sun coming out.... I specifically mean coming out... like from behind a cloud or walking out into it... because after 2-3 secs I'm fine.. just the 1st few secs I start sneezing...

This means I always wear sunglasses for driving.... (except on the rainiest days)... sneezing while driving is.... well not exactly good!

jdp364 Newbie
jdp364
Posted

I recently told my allergist that my allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, post-nasal drip, coughing) seem to be less severe when I'm gluten free. He said he's had several patients report their environmental allergies clearing up when they go on gluten free diets. He said that there may be a connection between gluten and allergic reactions in general, but added "it's something that we don't really understand yet." Although I haven't officially been diagnosed with celiac yet, he told me that I should stay gluten free even if my endoscopy results are negative, as long as it seems to be beneficial to me.

gfp Enthusiast
gfp
Posted
I recently told my allergist that my allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, post-nasal drip, coughing) seem to be less severe when I'm gluten free. He said he's had several patients report their environmental allergies clearing up when they go on gluten free diets. He said that there may be a connection between gluten and allergic reactions in general, but added "it's something that we don't really understand yet." Although I haven't officially been diagnosed with celiac yet, he told me that I should stay gluten free even if my endoscopy results are negative, as long as it seems to be beneficial to me.

Sounds like you got yourself an allergist worth keeping!

jdp364 Newbie
jdp364
Posted
Sounds like you got yourself an allergist worth keeping!

Oh yeah, he's my favorite doctor in my current "arsenal" of doctors. Very thorough, open minded and up to speed on all the latest research.

By the way, I have the sunlight/sneezing thing too. Very often when I walk from a darker interior out into very bright sun, I sneeze exactly three times. Thereafter, I'm fine. I always wonder why when it happens, it produces exactly three sneezes--no more, no fewer. I've been told that this kind of reaction is a genetically transmitted trait.

Ursa Major Collaborator
Ursa Major
Posted

I react to sunlight, too. That is one reason that I have a coating on my lenses that makes my lenses turn dark as soon as I step outside. Sunshine on my head and in my eyes made me miserable all through my childhood during the summer. But I never thought of wearing sunglasses or a hat, since my siblings didn't. And my mother wouldn't have thought of it anyway.

loco-ladi Contributor
loco-ladi
Posted

When I lived in Maine sunlight bothered me a tiny bit, however there were mountains and trees there, since moving to Nebraska you never see me outside without my shades but I never concidered it along with the "intolerant/celiac/whateverIam"

Some things just make ya go Hhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmm

Kaycee Collaborator
Kaycee
Posted

Thank you for bringing this up. I do get hay fever symptoms pretty soon after being glutened and a cough. Can a cough be related to an allergy? Actually I was beginning to suffer these symptoms more and more prior to diagnosis, but since being gluten free it is not a problem, unless I get glutened. I thought it was me and so totally not related to coeliac and was all in my head (nose and eyes)

It probably means that I have an allergy to gluten, and there seems to be something else that will make me cough for a little while, then I am fine.

Cathy

hathor Contributor
hathor
Posted
By the way, I have the sunlight/sneezing thing too. Very often when I walk from a darker interior out into very bright sun, I sneeze exactly three times. Thereafter, I'm fine. I always wonder why when it happens, it produces exactly three sneezes--no more, no fewer. I've been told that this kind of reaction is a genetically transmitted trait.

Here's an article about it. Open Original Shared Link You can see there are a variety of names, and I recall hearing others. My husband, though, calls it "photo-sneezy-itis" so, of course, that's the one I remember.

It obviously has a genetic link. My dad had it, and my sister, my daughter & I all have it. Usually three sneezes, too. It is so funny when sis, dd, & I get together and walk out into the sun together. People give us the strangest looks!

TestyTommy Rookie
TestyTommy
Posted

My medical odyssey that led to me being diagnosed with celiac started 9+ years ago, when I suddenly started developing allergies at the ripe old age of 36. This is my first spring that I'm gluten-free, and my allergies seem less severe (though not gone).

My allergist says that I may have "pseudo-allergies". When the immune system is activated/irritated by something (like celiac) it becomes much more sensitive than normal. Kinda like when you have a headache, and every little noise bothers you, when your immune system is in over-drive it reacts more strongly to things that normally wouldn't bother it.

That could be what's happening to some of us.

Archived

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

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

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

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

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

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

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

      My only proof

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

      Methylprednisone treatment for inflammation?

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

      I think I am gluten intolerant

      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 p...
  • 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
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By klmgarland · Posted

      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
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      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
      My only proof

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      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
      Methylprednisone treatment for inflammation?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      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
      I think I am gluten intolerant

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      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.