Could this be a food allergy?!
Question: Hi!
Last year i developed an allergy and it was associated with hayfever, however, i had few breathing problems, i was coughing and short of breath (similar to when you have asthma)for about 10 minutes, i went on a course of anti-histamines and steroid tablets and they helped me a lot. I stopped them when the winter started. After this, i was in the middle of my sleep when i woke up coughing and with such pressure on my chest as if i had 20 kilos on top of me as i was on my bed. i got up, had some fresh air and an anti-histamine tablet, i eventually got better, this was in Octobe.I then changed all my pillows, duvet, curtains to anti-allergy ones as i thought it could be the dust. Last night i had the same reactions in the middle of my sleep, i was quite scared and i don't know what to do, could this be a food allergy to fish as i had salmon the previous day and tuna yesterday? i have never been allergic to any food. Any answers will be much appreciated.
Thank you!
Answers: Hi!
Last year i developed an allergy and it was associated with hayfever, however, i had few breathing problems, i was coughing and short of breath (similar to when you have asthma)for about 10 minutes, i went on a course of anti-histamines and steroid tablets and they helped me a lot. I stopped them when the winter started. After this, i was in the middle of my sleep when i woke up coughing and with such pressure on my chest as if i had 20 kilos on top of me as i was on my bed. i got up, had some fresh air and an anti-histamine tablet, i eventually got better, this was in Octobe.I then changed all my pillows, duvet, curtains to anti-allergy ones as i thought it could be the dust. Last night i had the same reactions in the middle of my sleep, i was quite scared and i don't know what to do, could this be a food allergy to fish as i had salmon the previous day and tuna yesterday? i have never been allergic to any food. Any answers will be much appreciated.
Thank you!
It is not a food allergy as the reaction would be as you were eating or soon after.
A severe reaction (while you are still eating) is where your lips, tongue and throat swell which is what makes it hard to breathe. This is where epi-pens (adrenalin injections) are needed, and most people have this reaction from a young age (eg nuts)
A less frightening reaction (usually within about 30 mins - 2 hours), as you are digesting the food and it enters your bloodstream) is getting a rash and feeling really sick. This sensitivity can develop when you are older (eg shellfish, prawns) but the person would normally have had a mild sensitivity anyway since birth.
You may have developed a sensitivity towards fish (rather than an allergy) but tuna and salmon are not really the kind of things people react to - prawns and shellfish are more likely.
To be honest, the salmon would not be in your system from the day before (and you would have had a reaction that night as well) and the tuna would already have been digested, unless you went to bed straight after eating.
What you are describing sounds a bit like an asthma attack, but DEFINITELY go and see your Doctor - this is an unusual reaction to suddenly start having, especially at night.
Things the Doctor may ask are:
Have you changed your washing powder or fabric softener?
Have you had your Duvet cleaned?
Have you just had your carpets cleaned?
Have you started using an air freshener in your bedroom that sends out puffs while you are asleep?
Did a cat or dog jump onto the bed in the night?
Have you started using any other medication at all (including cold remedies) that you take in the evening?
Hope it turns out OK.
There is a test u can get ( sorry can't remember the name) u take a bit of blood for your finger and send it off and they give u a detailed report of every little thing your allergic to! My dad had it done and helped him a lot!
Don't eat fish for a while and see whether it stops, if it does, there's your answer
Yes , go get the alergy tests done at your Dr`s.
check that you are not allergic to lactose, which is present in all dairy products, you would be surprised how many food products contain lactose or whey,
Could be a food allergy, my youngest son had an asthma like reaction after eating too many boiled eggs! Ask your doctor to arrange some allergy tests.