Seasonal Allergies And Digestive Problems
If you are experiencing digestive symptoms such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea or heartburn, this is a sign that your imbalanced digestive system is causing your allergies.
Along with your immune system, your gut is home to your microbiome the trillions of organisms, or good bugs. These little guys protect your intestinal lining, which is the barrier controlling what goes into your blood stream. This barrier is responsible for keeping foreign invaders out. If the good bugs are not there doing their job more substances can get in and trigger your immune system to react with inflammation. This is one of the ways we get leaky gut, lack of good bugs .
Without the important barrier, invaders such as toxins and artificial ingredients in processed food, undigested bits of food, common inflammatory foods trigger your immune system again and again. Your immune system starts to thinks everything is an invader. It then mistakes more harmless substances for dangerous invaders. With pollen the response releases histamine causing the common allergy symptoms .
Plus the good bugs work closely with your immune system to help decide between friends from invaders . If your microbiome is out of balance your immune system loses its ability to correctly make the friend or foe decision. It ends up attacking too many things. Food sensitivities are created this way.
Can Allergies Cause Autoimmune Disorders
It appears that allergic and inflammatory diseases may actually cause autoimmune diseases by relaxing the controls that normally eliminate newly produced, self-reactive B cells, which are responsible for triggering the disease. Dr. Schultz said that this is important because many autoimmune diseases are caused by self-reactive B cells.
Allergy In Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases
As mentioned above, Hashimotos thyroiditis is more common among people with allergic rhinitis than in the general population.
That means people with allergies, at least some of them, are more prone to autoimmune thyroid diseases. But does vice versa also apply?
Molnar et al. conducted a study to evaluate the relationship between allergy and autoimmune thyroid diseases i.e., whether people with these conditions are more prone to allergies. For that purpose, they enrolled 259 patients, of whom 149 had Graves’ disease, 110 had Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and 65 controls with small euthyroid goiter.
They analyzed participants’ thyroid hormone levels and allergen-specific IgE levels. Immunoglobulin type E is a type of antibody that plays a central role in acute allergic reactions and chronic inflammatory allergic diseases. Their findings revealed that the prevalence of respiratory and food allergen-specific IgE levels were higher in subjects with Graves’ disease compared to people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and healthy controls.
Moreover, the study also showed that the seasonal allergen-specific IgE levels increased more in Graves’ disease patients without ophthalmopathy than in subjects who had this eye disease. Scientists also found that the presence of allergen-specific IgE levels was linked to changes in thyroid hormone and anti-thyroid antibody levels.
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Seasonal Variation In Duodenal Allergic Inflammation
Patients with gastrointestinal symptoms
During the birch pollen season there were significantly higher numbers of IgE-positive cells , CD3+ T cells and CD11c+dendritic cells in patients with GI symptoms than in the same patients outside the pollen season. . However, there was no difference between patients who experienced pollen season related gastrointestinal symptoms compared to patients with symptoms not related to season in the S-group. There was a correlation between the total serum IgE and IgE-positive cells in the biopsies taken during the pollen season . In contrast, there was no correlation between the duodenal cell counts and the total number of symptoms regardless of season. Furthermore, patients with oral allergy syndrome , showed similar cell counts during and outside the pollen season , and patients with asthma had elevated IgE positive cells in the duodenal mucosa during the pollen season .
Seasonal variation in the duodenal cell count in individual patients of the different study populations. . Each colored line represents one patient and the left value is from outside the birch pollen season and the value to the right from samples taken during the birch pollen season.
Patients without gastrointestinal symptoms
In the subgroup of patients with OAS there was an elevated frequency of duodenal tryptase positive cells outside the pollen season . Only three patients in the NS group had asthma, which impaired further statistical analysis.
Healthy controls
Can Seasonal Allergies Cause Abdominal Pain
Allergies cause the following symptoms: Vomiting and/or stomach cramps, hives, shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of the tongue, pale or blue coloring of the skin, dizziness or feeling faint and anaphylaxis. If you do not have an allergic reaction, your body may just be intolerant or sensitive to the food.
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Is It An Allergy Or Covid
When COVID-19 and seasonal allergies are circulating at the same time, every sniffle can lead you to worry that you might have the virus. From the perspective of a parent, one of the biggest issues is when kids in school have allergy symptoms that are poorly controlled, and then the school system sends them home or says they need a physicians note, Dr. Leeds says.
The CDC has a Venn diagram that shows symptoms the two conditions have in common. These include congestion, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, runny nose, sore throat, and shortness of breath. But comparing the most common symptoms reveals clear differences. Seasonal allergies usually cause itchy or watery eyes and sneezing, while COVID-19 is characterized by fever and chills, muscle and body aches, new loss of taste and smell, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea.
Because of COVID-19, people are afraid of you when youre sniffling, says Dr. Hsu. But it goes both waysa lot of people are sniffling and sneezing and coughing, and they are not getting tested for COVID-19, because they assume its allergies. And they are probably correct.
Often the distinction is clearpeople with allergies itch more, and they dont have the fatigue, malaise, and fever that comes with COVID-19. But anyone who is concerned should call their doctor, she says.
What Allergy Treatments Are Available
Treatments can help a great deal, says Dr. Hsu. Allergy treatment has changed over the past 10 years, with a number of first-line medications now available over the counter, she says. So, while we have lots of consultations with patients, we dont necessarily send a prescription to the pharmacy. We often advise people on what to buybut we want to be very specific, because there are certainly a lot of over-the-counter medications that we would not recommend as first-line treatments.
For instance, she might start with antihistamines for itching and runny nose, steroid nasal sprays for nasal passage congestion, and antihistamine eye drops for ocular symptoms. If a patient is still uncomfortable, she might recommend a decongestant, but not for daily use, since its a medication patients can become overly reliant on. Likewise, some patients should avoid antihistamines that are excessively sedating, she says.
The problem is that some people think theyll just grin and bear it. But… you can take steps to minimize those weeks of misery.Yale Medicine pediatric allergist Stephanie Leeds, MD
Its helpful when patients have a skin or blood test to find out exactly what they are allergic to. If you are really symptomatic, its helpful to get tested at least once. I dont think you need to be re-tested year after year, but at some point, establishing the specific triggers can be helpful, because then you can take steps to avoid exposure, Dr. Leeds says.
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Seasonal Allergies: Occurrence And Symptoms
Seasonal allergies are sometimes referred to as hay fever or allergic rhinitis.
In the United States, allergies typically are at their worst during the spring season, when flowers start to bud and trees begin to bloom. In most parts of the country, allergies typically start in February and can last until early in the summer.
Certain factors can influence the intensity and duration of allergy season. For example, milder winter temperatures can lead to early plant pollination. Additionally, a rainy spring can lead to rapid plant growth, ultimately causing an increase in mold and symptoms that can linger into the fall.
Seasonal allergies develop because the bodys immune system has become sensitized and is overreacting to something in the environment that normally does not cause problems in other people. Some of the most common triggers of seasonal allergies include grass, pollen and mold.
Some of the most common general allergy symptoms include:
- Nasal congestion
- Fatigue
- Joint, back and neck pain
Other factors can influence the severity of allergy symptoms. After a rainfall, pollen counts typically increase. Pollen counts are often higher on warm and windy days. On days with no wind, allergens are typically grounded. High humidity also promotes mold growth. In addition, pollen levels are generally at their highest in morning hours. Certain pollens, such as grass and ragweed, are most prevalent when the nights are cool and the days are warm.
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Does An Immunologist Treat Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system is responsible for many health problems, which are treated by immunologists. In medicine, immunologists diagnose, treat, and prevent immune system disorders, also known as allergists. A immunologist may be able to help you if you have food allergies, seasonal allergies, hay fever, eczema, or an autoimmune disease.
Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome
People with pollen food allergy syndrome experience allergic reactions to certain fruits and vegetables
Each fall, as ragweed releases its pollen into the air, people with seasonal allergies start sniffling and wheezing. But the problems don’t always stop there.
“For some people who are allergic to ragweed, if they eat a banana, their mouth starts to itch or their throat can feel like its swelling,” says , an allergist at Rush.
The reason? These people have pollen food allergy syndrome, also known as oral allergy syndrome. This means they experience allergic reactions to certain fruits and vegetables that contain proteins similar to those in allergenic trees and weeds.
For example, people who have birch pollen allergies might react negatively to carrots, celery, apples and peaches, while those allergic to ragweed may need to avoid melons and tomatoes in addition to bananas.
People often consume these foods in combination with others, of course, and the reactions they trigger can vary widely and mimic the symptoms of other conditions. As a result, it’s not always easy to identify the condition and link the culprit foods with the symptoms they cause. But doing so, Tobin says, can lead to effective treatment.
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How Do You Know If You Are Allergic To Cats
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to cats range from mild to severe, and include swollen, red, itchy, and watery eyes nasal congestion, itchy nose, ear pain similar to pain caused by an ear infection, sneezing, chronic sore throat or itchy throat, coughing, wheezing, asthma, hay fever, hives or rash on the face or
Can Seasonal Allergies Affect Your Digestive System
The short answer is yes, you can have a food allergy and experience digestive problems. Thats because just like with other allergies, when your digestive system comes into contact with something that your immune system views as a threat, it quickly responds by releasing a chemical called histamine.
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Tips For Coping With Digestive Problems
You got caught up in the fun and overdid it at the barbecue anyway? Have no fear, it’s not hard to handle occasional digestive problems.
1. Eat Fruits and Herbs That Soothe the Stomach. Certain foods can help a troubled digestion, says Mullin, who favors pineapple, papaya, ginger tea, and fennel. Other experts also recommend chamomile to soothe stomachs.
2. Drink Clear Liquids. If your digestive problems include diarrhea or vomiting, it’s even more important to remain hydrated, though you should take it slow. Drink clear liquids one teaspoon at a time until you can keep them down. Hold off on solid foods for several hours.
If you’ve got a bad stomachache, severe abdominal pain, or persistent diarrhea or vomiting accompanied by fever, see your doctor right away.
3. Avoid Strong Odors. If too much food has made you queasy, you might want to step away from the grill — and your favorite aunt who wears all the perfume. Strong odors like cooking smells, perfumes, colognes, and smoke can overturn a queasy stomach.
4. Stay Away From Substances That Irritate Stomachs. Coffee, alcohol, and carbonated beverages can aggravate the digestive system. So can some over-the-counter and prescription medications, as well as some herbal remedies and supplements. If you take medication or supplements and have digestive trouble, talk with your doctor.
Tips For Reducing Pollen Exposure
- Stay indoors until after midday, particularly in the pollen season and on windy days.
- Avoid going out during, or after thunderstorms, particularly when pollen counts are high.
- Wear sunglasses, carry tissues, shower when you arrive home, and rinse your eyes with water.
- Do not mow grass and stay inside when it is being mown. If mowing is unavoidable, wear a mask or take a non-drowsy antihistamine.
- Keep windows closed at home and in the car. Use recirculating air conditioning in the car.
- Do not picnic in parks or in the country during the pollen season.
- Try to plan holidays out of the pollen season or holiday at the seaside.
- If landscaping at home, research plants less likely to trigger allergic rhinitis or asthma. If you are sensitive to particular weeds or trees that are outside your bedroom window, have them removed.
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Diagnosing Skin And Food Allergies
Due to the fact that the signs and symptoms of seasonal allergies vs. food allergies in dogs can be similar, treatment will likely require trial and error and a trip to the vet. Once in the hands of a professional, your pup will be tested properly to eliminate possibilities in his diet or environment and pinpoint the culprit.
In all likelihood, your dog doesnt have food allergies. While there are several common food allergens that may be the culprit, normally the immune system overreacts to environmental allergens. Thus, if your dog is exhibiting symptoms of an allergic reaction, its probably a seasonal allergy. Knowing this, speak with your vet about preventative measures you can take to limit your dogs exposure to allergens.
Reviewed by Dan Richardson, Veterinarian
Dan Richardson has been a practicing veterinarian for over 10 years. He specializes in surgery and orthopedics. Dan is originally from rural western Nevada and attended the University of Idaho for undergraduate study and Oregon State University for Veterinary School. The Richardson Family enjoys camping and spending time on the water fishing, paddle boarding, or digging their feet in the sand somewhere warm.
How Your Gut Is Connected To Hay Fever And Allergies
I bet you are wondering, how can my water eyes, running nose and sneezing be connected to my gut?. As you may have noticed today, there are studies coming out linking all sorts of conditions and diseases to the health of your gut. Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is no different.
For starters our digestive system plays a huge role in the balance of our immune system. Almost 70% of our entire immune system is located in our gut. For hay fever and other allergic diseases the hygiene hypothesis was thought to have a role in the increase in allergies, with the lack of exposure to microbes in early life increasing the risk of allergies in later life. Now something called the ‘microbiota hypothesis’ is thought to play a role, meaning a change in our gut bugs influence the development of our immune system. Although allergies are also influenced by genetics, some of the environmental and lifestyle factors that change your gut bacteria and increase your risk for allergies include infant use of antibiotics, formula feeding and being born by caesarean section. Oppositely, growing up with pets, growing up on a farm, being born through vaginal delivery and being breast fed has been linked to positively influencing your guts flora to include more protective strains.
What your body does in an allergic reaction
The gut-lung connection
Histamine and your gut
How to improve your allergy symptoms
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Do Seasonal Allergies Wreak Havoc On Your Body
If so, youre not alone many people experience an increase in their allergy symptoms during allergy season, especially when pollen counts are high. For some, symptoms are mild, with sneezing and stuffiness, while others experience joint, back and neck pain, in addition to breathing difficulties. However, although allergies can cause neck pain, join pain and back pain, there are many things you can try to make the pain subside.
In some cases, your symptoms may appear to be related more to the weather, injury or illness rather than specific allergens. However some allergy symptoms, such as non-allergic rhinitis and even joint pain, can be brought on by rapid changes in temperature and humidity that typically accompany the spring season. In the United States, spring often is the highest time for allergies, meaning your seasonal allergies could be the cause of your pain.
Lets take a closer look at how allergies and joint pain may be related.
Seasonal Digestive Distress: 10 Tips For Coping
End of summer and early fall is a time for barbecue, seaside clambakes, and fair food. And unless weâre careful, we suffer some unpleasant results: stomachaches, nausea, heartburn, and constipation or diarrhea.
Outdoor events can trigger digestive problems in a number of ways:
- Picnic and party food can spoil in the heat.
- We may over-exercise.
- And itâs easy to become dehydrated.
What can you do? Here, gastroenterologists offer five ways to avoid digestive problems, followed by five ways to deal with digestive trouble once you have it.
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