Can Seasonal Allergies Cause Gerd

Do Seasonal Allergies Effect The Gut

Do Seasonal Allergies Effect the Gut? The quick and easy answer to this questionan emphatic YES.

A stereotypical image of seasonal allergies is a person with a runny nose, congestion, and a sinus headache. But for many, their symptoms do not fit neatly into a diagnosis.

Seasonal allergies only cause symptoms for some when they are under stress , others may only have had allergy symptoms after an accident, pregnancy, surgery, or an autoimmune disease diagnosis.

Can You Get A Sore Throat From Allergies And What Causes It

Yep, and how you develop it all comes down to how your body reacts when its exposed to an allergen like pollen. If you have allergies, your immune system will react to being exposed to an allergen by releasing histamines, chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.

For many people with seasonal allergies, those histamines can cause a stuffy, runny noseand that can trigger post-nasal drip, i.e. mucus running down the back of your throat, explains Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist with Allergy & Asthma Network. And that can cause irritation back there. Cue the sore throat. Often, first thing in morning it will be worse from laying down all night, Dr. Parikh says.

Post-nasal drip isnt the only reason you might develop a sore throat from allergies, though. Coughing and mouth breathing can also mess with the way your throat feels, says Kara Wada, MD, an allergist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Of course, not everyone with allergies gets a sore throat. Allergies can affect each of us differently, Dr. Wada says. There are some things that might make you more prone to struggling with a sore throat from allergies, Dr. Parikh says, including how severe your allergies are and the anatomy of your nose.

Also worth pointing out: If you have allergies to several things that can crop up in the springtime, like pollen and grass, you might be more likely than other people to board the sore throat struggle bus as youre reacting to all these different triggers at once.

How Do I Treat Acid Reflux And Allergies

An ideal way to treat your symptoms is to take steps to reduce acid reflux. Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine. Cut out mints, chocolate, and fried or fatty foods. Try to avoid lying down for two to three hours after eating. Sleeping with your head elevated about six inches can also help prevent acid from coming up the esophagus.

If you do have acid reflux and your avoidance techniques arent working, medicines may help. Many over-the-counter medicines are available, and if they arent working your doctor could prescribe something stronger.

An allergy test will diagnose if you have allergies to pollen or other substances. Your personal medical history can help determine if you might have EoE, although further tests by a gastrointestinal doctor would be needed to confirm that diagnosis, Dr. Lewis said.

If you do have a pollen allergy, your doctor can help you come up with a treatment plan, which can include anything from avoidance to over-the-counter medicines to immunotherapy.

Remember, you may have both allergies and acid reflux, so just because youve been diagnosed with one doesnt mean you might not still need care for the other. Fortunately, CEENTAs ENT doctors can determine if you have either condition and help you get the care you need.

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The Signs Of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

While this immune disorder may stem from allergies, the effects it has on the esophagus are what create the telltale warning signs or EoE, which include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Acid reflux that doesnt respond to medications
• Food impactions
• Nausea and vomiting
• Chest pain

EoE affects both children and adults, including toddlers, so the symptoms may be trickier to pin down if your child is unable to articulate the problem. Instead, they may refuse to eat, which can affect their development.

Treating Acid Reflux Disease

If your doctor has diagnosed you with acid reflux disease, there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms on your own. Small lifestyle changes, such as avoiding food or beverages that trigger acid reflux, can help keep you comfortable. Other steps you can take may be:

• Starting a weight loss program if you are overweight
• Sleeping in a chair or upright position for naps
• Raising the head of your bed 4-6 inches with blocks
• Eating smaller meals, and eating more frequently throughout the day
• Quitting smoking
• Refraining from eating for 2-3 hours before bed

You should also discuss with your doctor if any medications may be causing your condition. They may also have suggestions about steps to take to manage your acid reflux, and can recommend the best course of treatment. Your doctor might decide to recommend medication for you. These medications work to control acid reflux through a number of methods, and include:

• H2 Blockers, such as Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac. These decrease acid production.
• Proton Pump Inhibitors, such as Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix, Aciphex, and Nexium. These reduce acid production as well.
• Foaming agents, such as Gavascon. These coat your stomach to prevent reflux.
• Prokinetics, such as Reglan and Urecholine. These help strengthen the LES, empty your stomach faster, and reduce the amount of acid produced.
• Antacids, such as Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, or Riopan. These neutralize stomach acid.

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Can Allergies Cause Stomach Problems

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Among some of the lesser-known symptoms of seasonal allergies are stomach upset, constipation, diarrhea, GERD, acid reflux, nausea, and stomach cramping. These digestive symptoms can come with little or no upper respiratory symptoms which is why it can be difficult for these symptoms to be traced back to their source.

can allergies cause IBS? Irritable bowel syndrome due to allergy comes in two forms: Environmental allergies can certainly cause IBS symptoms. When pollen is breathed in, it can move to the bowel and cause irritation in the digestive tract.

Regarding this, can nasal allergies cause upset stomach?

One of the most common symptom of nasal allergy and sinusitis is post nasal discharge and drainage. In my practice I have encountered many patients who have upper gastrointestinal symptoms due to swallowing of nasal drainage. Patients often have nausea, dry heaves, and sometimes vomiting.

Can pollen allergies cause diarrhea?

When pollen is inhaled, histamine is released in the lining of the respiratory tracts causing the familiar symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, scratchy throat, or wheezing. Indigestion, cramping, vomiting and diarrhea can all happen soon after eating foods that cross-react with your pollen allergy.

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.

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S For Managing Your Sore Throat

The first step in managing your allergy-induced sore throats is visiting a professional. From there, we can determine the root cause of your allergy, and help you create a personalized plan for removing the trigger from your life and/or ways to manage your allergies when removing the trigger isnt a realistic solution.

Short Term Relief

Providing short-term relief for a sore throat can usually be accomplished through the use of simple but effective home remedies. Drink warm liquids, especially tea with honey or lemon, and chicken broth or bouillon. Cold liquids can also help. Suck on Popsicles, hard candy, or throat lozenges to soothe irritation. Gargle with warm salt water several times a day. Use a humidifier or vaporizer to moisten the air.

Long Term Relief

More long-term solutions can involve immunotherapy, which is a series of allergy shots designed to build up your bodys immune system against the allergen causing you and your body stress.

Ive Never Heard Of Eoe What Is It

EoE is an allergy related disorder that affects the lining of the esophagus and usually occurs with the change of seasons and a higher pollen count in the spring. Doctors arent positive what actually causes it, but all information points to the fact that it can be caused by both environmental and genetic factors, hence the rise of the disease in the spring. The symptoms can be broad but most often include difficulty swallowing, chest and abdominal pain, heartburn, food impaction , vomiting or regurgitation, and failure to thrive in children. Those who are affected by EoE have an abundance of eosinophil cells in their esophagus, which produce a protein that causes inflammation and scarring. Although the cells are normal and naturally occurring in parts of the body, its the location and abundance of them that can trigger the illness and be the difference between someone who is affected by EoE and someone who isnt.

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Is It Allergies Or A Cold

Sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between allergies and the common cold. There are more than a hundred strains of cold viruses. Each tends to become widespread at certain times of the year, which is why you may mistake a cold for a seasonal allergy. Allergies occur at the same time every year and last as long as the allergen is in the air . Allergies cause itching of the nose and eyes along with other nasal symptoms. Colds last about one week and have less itching of the nose and eyes.

Link Between Ee & Atopy: Human Data

The inflammatory cells found in patients with asthma, AR, AD and food allergy are similar to those found in patients with EE. Th2 cells and eosinophils are found in early lesions of AD and in patients with asthma , and eosinophils are found in nasal secretions of those with AR . Mast cells are found in all atopic conditions. The activation of mast cells by IgE-mediated reactions leads to a cascade of inflammation leading to the accumulation and activation of Th2 cells, eosinophils and neutrophils. Researchers in Madrid found that the esophagus of patients with EE had 300-times the density of eosinophils compared with controls, and significantly higher levels of T cells and mast cells compared with patients with gastroesophageal reflux .

Studies in humans also reveal the importance of Th2 cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, in atopic diseases, including EE . Th2 chemokines and their receptors are also important in EE and atopic disease. A genome-wide microarray expression on esophageal biopsy indicate that eotaxin 3 was highly induced and a single-nucleotide polymorphism was associated with increased susceptibility to disease . Other important molecules in the development of EE may be periostin. Periostin is induced by IL-13 and regulates eosinophil recruitment and adhesion .

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What Are The Common Signs And Symptoms Of Food Allergy

Allergic reactions usually occur and develop within a few minutes to two hours after ingesting the offending food. It may cause discomfort to affected individuals. Some may even experience severe effects which can be frightening and at time life-threatening. The most common signs and symptoms involved in food allergies were as follow:

• Tingling sensation and itching in the mouth area

• Occurrence of eczema and hives

• Face, lips, tongue, throat swelling after eating

• Trouble in breathing

• Nausea and vomiting

• Dizziness and fainting

Anaphylaxis or severe allergic reaction may be experienced. This is a serious condition that can cause life-threatening signs and symptoms:

• Tightening or constriction of the air passages

• Difficulty in breathing due to swollen areas or lump present in the throat

• Severe drop in the blood pressure caused by shock

• Rapid or increased pulse rate

• Lightheadedness leading to possible loss of consciousness

Anaphylaxis is a critical condition that should be given emergency treatment. If remained untreated, this condition may lead to coma and even death.

Note:

If symptoms or signs of food allergy occur shortly after eating, see a doctor or an allergist immediately. If possible, seek medical help when the allergic reaction is still present as this will help in the diagnosis and treatments. Remember to have emergency treatment when any signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis are observed.

Can Seasonal Allergies Cause Ibs

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. Accordingly, can seasonal allergies cause digestive problems?

Among some of the lesser-known symptoms of seasonal allergies are stomach upset, constipation, diarrhea, GERD, acid reflux, nausea, and stomach cramping. These digestive symptoms can come with little or no upper respiratory symptoms which is why it can be difficult for these symptoms to be traced back to their source.

can seasonal allergies cause mucus in stool? Food allergies, such as those associated with nuts, lactose, or gluten, can cause mucus in the stool.

Also to know, do seasonal allergies cause diarrhea?

Diarrhea and AllergiesIt’s not a common symptom, but some people who experience the red eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and wheezing of allergies in the spring may also have a case of diarrhea on top of it all. Diarrhea as the sole symptom of seasonal allergies would be uncommon, said Kussin.

Can IBS cause nasal congestion?

This study demonstrated the link between VMR and IBS. In particular, it showed a significant presence of typical VMR symptoms in patients with IBS as well as typical IBS symptoms in patients with VMR.

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When To See A Doctor

A one-off or occasional bout of acid reflux and shortness of breath may not be cause for concern. If a person can keep the symptoms at bay using OTC medications, there is generally no need to see a doctor.

However, anyone experiencing persistent acid reflux or GERD symptoms should see a doctor for a full diagnosis. A doctor may carry out diagnostic tests to determine the cause of GERD and to identify any possible complications. A doctor may also prescribe medication to help manage GERD symptoms.

What Causes The Link Between Gerd And Asthma

The mechanisms behind the association arent crystal-clear, but there are a few theories. One is that if someone has GERD, aspiration of stomach acid into the airways can cause irritation there, leading to breathing difficulties or a persistent cough.

If you have acid reflux and you regurgitate high enough, you can get a bronchospasm that can trigger asthma, Dr. Vaezi notes. Another theory is that acid reflux may trigger a protective nerve reflex that causes the airways to tighten in order to prevent the stomach acid from entering the lungs this can lead to a bronchospasm too.

There isnt a single test that can definitively identify reflux as the cause of asthma-like symptoms in those with GERD. But not responding to steroids is a big red flag to consider GERD in a patient with severe asthma, notes Kaiser Lim, MD, a consultant in pulmonary and critical care medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. To determine if reflux is exacerbating asthma, doctors typically consider a persons symptoms and their response to treatment. In terms of treatment, a doctor might prescribe aggressive use of acid-suppressing medication to see if the asthma-like symptoms improve, Vaezi says.

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Newly Identified Allergic Disease Acts Like Acid Reflux

Doctors used to pass off the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis as acid reflux, but now they know more about the allergic/immune disease characterized by inflammation of the esophagus. The condition is believed to result primarily from food allergies. In some cases, environmental allergies can contribute too. It affects about 150,000 Americans, and, in youth, it is one of the most common contributors to food impaction and difficulty swallowing.

With EoE, white blood cells build up in the esophagus, causing inflammation. This leads to trouble swallowing, an ongoing feeling of heartburn , stomach pain, and food impaction. If untreated, scar tissue can develop in the esophagus, narrowing that crucial canal that connects the throat to the stomach. Children with EoE will often refuse to eat and/or vomit frequently. Thus, they may be classified as failure to thrive.

If you suspect that you or your child are affected by this condition, talk to a physician about eosinophilic esophagitis treatment. Doctors will often perform an endoscopy to examine the esophagus and/or recommend a biopsy to procure tissue samples. Some medications may be helpful in controlling the symptoms of EoE , but be aware that symptoms will likely continue unless the underlying allergy is addressed through allergy treatment.

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Acid Reflux And Asthma

• Acid Reflux and Asthma

Did you know that those who suffer from asthma are at a higher risk of developing the chronic form of acid reflux that is commonly referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease at some point in their lives? In fact, studies show that as many as 80% of adults with asthma deal with GERD.

While its still unclear what the exact connection is between GERD and asthma, several theories exist as to why there may be a link between the two conditions.

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