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Wheat Allergy

catsmeow

By catsmeow
in Coping with Celiac Disease

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catsmeow Contributor
catsmeow
Posted

To all that know me and all of you fellow sufferers of wheat allergies who also suffer debilitating airborne reactions like me; I have finally found a solution and I hope and pray it keeps working. I've been airborne reaction free for a week now, so I thought it was time to share.

The story:

I went to a new doctor last week about a ladies issue I was having, and while in the appt. I was having an allergic reaction. The doctor noticed and asked me what I was allergic to. I told her "wheat" and that maybe the coffee shop down the hall was baking stuff. She said, "maybe, but I happen to be wearing wheat germ based beauty products, so I think you are reacting to me" She was shocked by how sensitive I am and asked how long I had been suffering with the airborne reactions. I told her since April, right after I had my gallbladder out, and cannot eat wheat either, I've been gluten free for 20 months.

She asked me if anyone has ever put me on a HISTAMINE 2 BLOCKER. I said, I didn't know, I had never heard of histamine 2. So, she looks through my prescription history and saw allegra, zyrtec, claratin, benadryl..and says, "No, you have never been on a Histamine 2 blocker, only histamine 1 blockers".

She explained to me that Histamine 2 is produced in the stomach and can make food allergies worse. She said blocking histamine 2 will help knock down the airborne reactions by blocking histamine 2. I hope I got her explanation right, it was confusing and went way over my head. However, I've been on zantac 150 mg twice daily for a week now, and it’s working. I got mine in prescription form, but you can buy it over the counter.

Well I am here to tell you that it is a miracle. I have not had an airborne reaction since I started on this stuff. If anyone remembers, I react so violently that I had to take prednisone just to fly on an airplane because of the pretzels people eat, so I would not die of anaphylactic shock. Life has been hell. I've been a bubble girl since April, I couldn't even be in peoples houses because they have wheat products in their kitchen. And, I had to wear a mask all the time in public because there is no escape from wheat.

So, I've been testing how well this Zantac is working (with my epi-pen close by of course). I went to the grocery store and went into the bakery, opened a bin full of hot dinner rolls and smelled them (not eat, just smell).....shockingly, I had no reaction, none, zip, zilch, miracle!! The biggest test for me will be to go into a stand alone bakery. That will be the final test.

I just wanted to share this crazy solution just in case it helps someone else. I've found very little info on it on the internet. I think that prescribing it for allergies and asthma is fairly new. I'll never be able to eat wheat again, but at least I can breathe it again and can go places again.

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  • Replies 72
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Skylark Collaborator
Skylark
Posted

That's WONDERFUL!

You don't quite have the explanation for how it works quite right (your doctor may have been confused), but it doesn't much matter if the pills are working for you.

catsmeow Contributor
catsmeow
Posted
  • Author

That's WONDERFUL!

You don't quite have the explanation for how it works quite right (your doctor may have been confused), but it doesn't much matter if the pills are working for you.

I am sure the doc had it right, but it was hard for me to try to explain because it went over my head badly....LOL :P Do you have a better explanation? Maybe it would be good to write if you do. I wish I had had a recorder on when she was explaining it...but all I know, is that it's working, and I couldn't be happier. Of course, I am fearful that it will stop working, I'm praying it doesn't. :o

IrishHeart Veteran
IrishHeart
Posted

Trish X 2 :)

Happy to hear you have some relief! yaaay!! :)

I have discussed with my new GI doc why I felt like I was in a constant "histamine" response for so long before I was Dxed and gluten-free (although I had NO "allergies" at all-- per extensive testing)--I was itchy, had swollen throat and eyelids, scratchy throat, coughing, dry eyes, red face and skin, sores on my scalp, etc... and he explained that the body creates this in celiac.

From thyroid-info.com....

"What happens in gluten intolerance is:

-The body lacks a particular digestive enzyme, intestinal glutaminase, that can digest gluten products

-Gliadin antibodies are produced as the body's reaction to the presence of the gluten

-The villi in the bowels become flattened, making them less able to sweep along waste products and filter out toxins

-The bowel, in a state of irritation, becomes more permeable, allowing larger proteins to pass through, which further aggravates the "allergic" response

-The body responds by producing more histamine, seratonin, kinins, prostaglandins, and interleukins -- which can trigger or aggravate autoimmune and inflammatory conditions."

Knock down the histamine, knock down the inflammation.

:)

Were you ever tested for celiac, BTW? just wondering!

catsmeow Contributor
catsmeow
Posted
  • Author

Irish Heart, thanks for the great explanation, I did not know that gluten intolerant people experienced the histamine thing too. I did find a big study about histamine 2 and the relationship between it and asthma, food allergies. and Eosinophilic Enteropathy, and how people improve with the use of a histamine 2 blocker from these conditions. It's a tough read though.

Yes, i was blood tested for Celiac, it was negative, I had my genes tested with enterolabs, and it showed no celiac genes, but I do have gluten sensitive genes. I also had a bad case of IBS back in 2001, I was scoped and biopsied then. My villi was fine. I have not had another IBS attack since then. They lasted about 4 months. I didn't know back then that they were looking for Celiacs, but I have recently gotten copies of my records and saw that I was tested back then, while on a full gluteny diet and no knowledge of the existence of Celiac's. :lol: Celiac was ruled out, and IBS was the diagnoses.

My official diagnoses last year was wheat allergy/gluten sensitive by the MD's.

My reactions are all allergic in nature, however, I see from reading that I do share some celiac reactions, which are also listed for allergic reactions. Also, my best friend who is a Natureopathic doctor, initially thought I had Celiac, but now says "no celiac" She has seen my reactions and actually did a barley/rye challenge with me. I had a delayed allergic reaction, not a celiac reaction.

Again, thanks for the info!!!!

Skylark Collaborator
Skylark
Posted

I am sure the doc had it right, but it was hard for me to try to explain because it went over my head badly....LOL :P Do you have a better explanation? Maybe it would be good to write if you do. I wish I had had a recorder on when she was explaining it...but all I know, is that it's working, and I couldn't be happier. Of course, I am fearful that it will stop working, I'm praying it doesn't. :o

It shouldn't stop working.

See if this makes sense...

Histamine is a neurotransmitter, and your body uses it in multiple places. Histamine directs your stomach to produce acid, and when mast cells release it, it triggers allergic reactions. There are multiple receptors for histamine, H1, H2, H3, and H4. Receptors are what the cell uses to detect a histamine message, and a histamine blocker gets on the receptor and keeps the message from getting in. This is a good thing if the message is "swell and make hives".

We used to think H1 receptors were for allergy and H2 for gastric acid, because H2 receptors are mostly in the GI system and because allergy drugs like benedryl work mostly on H1 receptors. It seems the idea that H2 directs only stomach acid is not completely true, and that some folks get extra allergy relief with an H2 blocker added to their antihistamine.

catsmeow Contributor
catsmeow
Posted
  • Author

It shouldn't stop working.

See if this makes sense...

Histamine is a neurotransmitter, and your body uses it in multiple places. Histamine directs your stomach to produce acid, and when mast cells release it, it triggers allergic reactions. There are multiple receptors for histamine, H1, H2, H3, and H4. Receptors are what the cell uses to detect a histamine message, and a histamine blocker gets on the receptor and keeps the message from getting in. This is a good thing if the message is "swell and make hives".

We used to think H1 receptors were for allergy and H2 for gastric acid, because H2 receptors are mostly in the GI system and because allergy drugs like benedryl work mostly on H1 receptors. It seems the idea that H2 directs only stomach acid is not completely true, and that some folks get extra allergy relief with an H2 blocker added to their antihistamine.

Thank you! Your explanation sounds much like the doctors. I swear I need a doctorates degree to understand this stuff!! :P

I am going to be positive and believe you when you say it will keep working....I can't go back to bubble girl status...I CAN"T....I WON"T....Oh the HorRoR.... B)

I would love to find the article in thyroid.com that irishHeart quoted. My husband is hypothyroid, I would love to read it to see if anything pertains to him. I've been searching for it and cannot find it.

I just saw that you are a "Glutenologist" That's funny stuff, and actually quite true. I think we who have to live gluten free are the most qualified "glutenologists" there are!!!! :D

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lynnelise Apprentice
lynnelise
Posted

I had an allergic reaction to a pneumonia vaccine a couple of months ago and was told by my friend who is a PA to take a combo of benadryl and zantac. I thought it was strange but she too explained that it was a histamine blocker! So glad you found something that works!

love2travel Mentor
love2travel
Posted

To all that know me and all of you fellow sufferers of wheat allergies who also suffer debilitating airborne reactions like me; I have finally found a solution and I hope and pray it keeps working. I've been airborne reaction free for a week now, so I thought it was time to share.

The story:

I went to a new doctor last week about a ladies issue I was having, and while in the appt. I was having an allergic reaction. The doctor noticed and asked me what I was allergic to. I told her "wheat" and that maybe the coffee shop down the hall was baking stuff. She said, "maybe, but I happen to be wearing wheat germ based beauty products, so I think you are reacting to me" She was shocked by how sensitive I am and asked how long I had been suffering with the airborne reactions. I told her since April, right after I had my gallbladder out, and cannot eat wheat either, I've been gluten free for 20 months.

She asked me if anyone has ever put me on a HISTAMINE 2 BLOCKER. I said, I didn't know, I had never heard of histamine 2. So, she looks through my prescription history and saw allegra, zyrtec, claratin, benadryl..and says, "No, you have never been on a Histamine 2 blocker, only histamine 1 blockers".

She explained to me that Histamine 2 is produced in the stomach and can make food allergies worse. She said blocking histamine 2 will help knock down the airborne reactions by blocking histamine 2. I hope I got her explanation right, it was confusing and went way over my head. However, I've been on zantac 150 mg twice daily for a week now, and it

mamaw Community Regular
mamaw
Posted

So, I've been testing how well this Zantac is working (with my epi-pen close by of course). I went to the grocery store and went into the bakery, opened a bin full of hot dinner rolls and inhaled.....shockingly

So is it Zantac that you are using to stop the allergies?

Skylark Collaborator
Skylark
Posted

I just saw that you are a "Glutenologist" That's funny stuff, and actually quite true. I think we who have to live gluten free are the most qualified "glutenologists" there are!!!! :D

It was meant to be funny! :lol: I put it when I learned that "Advanced Community Members" can set a custom title. We are definitely all "glutenologists"!

Roda Rising Star
Roda
Posted

This is great news! I took zantac to heal a peptic ulcer last April because I refused proton pump inhibitors. I felt it was the lesser of two evils. I did some extra reading because my "allergy" symptoms (I have no idea what triggers them) were gone. I came to the conclusion it must have been the zantac being H2 blocker. I'm happy for you.

catsmeow Contributor
catsmeow
Posted
  • Author

So, I've been testing how well this Zantac is working (with my epi-pen close by of course). I went to the grocery store and went into the bakery, opened a bin full of hot dinner rolls and inhaled.....shockingly

So is it Zantac that you are using to stop the allergies?

Yes, Zantac is stopping the airborne allergies to wheat. I can't eat wheat still, but the Zantac is eliminating the airborne portion of my wheat allergy....YAY!!!

I didn't eat the dinner rolls at the grocery store, I jsut smelled them by taking a deep breath. Before Zantac, this would have cause an anaphylactic reaction, an epi-pen stick, a trip to the hosp or death, and nothing happened when I smelled them because of the Zantac........amazing....

catsmeow Contributor
catsmeow
Posted
  • Author

I had an allergic reaction to a pneumonia vaccine a couple of months ago and was told by my friend who is a PA to take a combo of benadryl and zantac. I thought it was strange but she too explained that it was a histamine blocker! So glad you found something that works!

So some docs, and PA's know about it.....I wish they all did, I could have been helped a long time ago. Since I started taking Zantac, I've educated a doctor, a P.A. friend, and my Nurse practioner sister in law about it. None had heard of using Zantac for allergies. I hope my efforts help others get their lives back. Your P.A. friend is smart. :)

catsmeow Contributor
catsmeow
Posted
  • Author

This is great news! I took zantac to heal a peptic ulcer last April because I refused proton pump inhibitors. I felt it was the lesser of two evils. I did some extra reading because my "allergy" symptoms (I have no idea what triggers them) were gone. I came to the conclusion it must have been the zantac being H2 blocker. I'm happy for you.

That is awesome!!! Are you still taking Zantac? If so, have you had any adverse reactions to it's prolonged use? So far, I've had no adverse reactions, just positive good response to it.

catsmeow Contributor
catsmeow
Posted
  • Author

That is truly a miracle. Just incredible. I am so happy with you! You have suffered so much and it is amazing that you now have your answer.

(((thank you))))

Roda Rising Star
Roda
Posted

That is awesome!!! Are you still taking Zantac? If so, have you had any adverse reactions to it's prolonged use? So far, I've had no adverse reactions, just positive good response to it.

No I quit taking it after about 2.5 months and didn't seem to have any adverse effects. My GI wasn't happy since he wanted me on it for 6 months. I take zyrtec as needed now, but I think I've built up a tolerence to it.

alex11602 Collaborator
alex11602
Posted

Trish Trish,

I took Zantac 150 for a year and a half without any issues. The one thing to watch out for when taking it for a prolonged period of time is that it can decrease calcium absorbtion. I don't have a site to link to for that information though because it is from my Diet and Nutrition textbook, but perhaps you could find that info if you googled it.

I am very happy that you found something that works for you though, it is wonderful news :)

IrishHeart Veteran
IrishHeart
Posted

I would love to find the article in thyroid.com that irishHeart quoted. My husband is hypothyroid, I would love to read it to see if anything pertains to him. I've been searching for it and cannot find it.

Here you are, kiddo. It's actually thyroid-info.com:

Open Original Shared Link

Skylark Collaborator
Skylark
Posted

Thank you! Your explanation sounds much like the doctors. I swear I need a doctorates degree to understand this stuff!! :P

Whoops, sorry. That's as simple as I could make it. :unsure: I was hoping having it written down so you could read it a couple times might help.

catsmeow Contributor
catsmeow
Posted
  • Author

Here you are, kiddo. It's actually thyroid-info.com:

Open Original Shared Link

[/quote

((((((hugs))))) thank you!!!!!

catsmeow Contributor
catsmeow
Posted
  • Author

Whoops, sorry. That's as simple as I could make it. :unsure: I was hoping having it written down so you could read it a couple times might help.

LOL.....I understood...mostly...you done good. As soon as I get my Glutenologist degree, I'll be good to go though.... :P

catsmeow Contributor
catsmeow
Posted
  • Author

Trish Trish,

I took Zantac 150 for a year and a half without any issues. The one thing to watch out for when taking it for a prolonged period of time is that it can decrease calcium absorbtion. I don't have a site to link to for that information though because it is from my Diet and Nutrition textbook, but perhaps you could find that info if you googled it.

I am very happy that you found something that works for you though, it is wonderful news :)

That is good to know. I knew there was a warning for osteoporosis for PPI's (proton pump inhibitors), but I didn't know that Zantac has the same issue. It makes sense though. I'll need to up my calcium. My labs are good right now though. I had tests done is November....I'll be watching my calcium labs.

pricklypear1971 Community Regular
pricklypear1971
Posted

That's fabulous news.

And such a simple solution... Geez.

IrishHeart Veteran
IrishHeart
Posted

((((((hugs))))) thank you!!!!!

You're welcome! ;)

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