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Suggest Treatment For Constant Clearing Of Throat, Itchy Skin And Mood Swings

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Posted on Thu, 14 May 2015
Question: I am almost 62 years old and only recently went to an allergist. This was my husband's nagging that prompted me to go….constant clearing of throat, itchy skin, mood swings, hives….nothing out of my norm. Had the skin test and showed moderate to severe allergies to 42 of the 104 items tested. (Most extreme responses were 3 types of mold, dust mites, milk, mushrooms, dogs, cats, trees, oh the list goes on…). I suspected a relationship between mood and food when I recently cut out dairy from my diet. I am almost a different person….I don't know who or where to go to try and tie everything together??? I am a nurse who hates going to doctors (LOL). Any suggestions?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Multiple Allergies

Detailed Answer:
Good evening

Thank you for writing on health care magic

Well, firstly I would say the allergy test most labs carry out is hardly of any significance. They will end up pointing at a million things which you have been already living with through your life. Those are neither avoidable, nor it makes sense as you would not have experienced such symptoms through your life...like Dogs/cats.. At times, even cockroach dust they would point out.

The symptoms you are describing are of allergy as you know as well. But this is what you have to narrow it down to what substances trigger the reaction. Dairy products can cause lot of allergic reactions , as one tends to lose Lactose levels as we grow old. It is very common and once you cut it, it all stops happening.

What i would suggest is, make a diary of the things you feel caused the Hives..Either what you ate or when you go out to garden or any medications. At least , we would know what all things to be avoided. Secondly, you can always take a higher course of anti-allergics if you are getting these episodes frequently. But that would be 2nd line if the episodes keep happening despite avoiding the substances. I wont recommend any desensitization at this moment nor doctors visit :).

hope the information was useful

Do let me know for more queries

REgards
Dr NAval
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Naval Mendiratta (5 hours later)
I quit eating gluten about 3 years ago with some relief of a constellation of gut symptoms. I have several children and grandchildren who were being told they could not tolerate the milk protein (not just the lactose issue). That is when I decided to cut out milk products. In reviewing my diet, I was eating cheese all day long, virtually at every meal. I had a lot of revising to do. I have always been someone who "accomplishes" a lot. Driven, obsessive, compulsive…type. When I started a business, I was eventually selected as one of the top business women in my state. After I retired, I went to school to become a nurse as retirement wasn't a satisfying option. I became a nurse at 55. I learned to speak Spanish last year. I started painting 2 years ago and have paintings in our state capital's art gallery…. If you get the drift…. Since I quit dairy I seriously have lost my edge. I haven't picked up a paint brush. I no longer think about suicide. I no longer feel like I am "driven", but more complacent. It is weird for me. I think I might be more "normal". What I was wondering is:

I have always had a paradoxical reaction to opiates. They wire me up…make me hyper and edgy. Both gluten and casein create opiate byproducts when going through the digestive process. (like beta-casienmorphin 7) (excuse my spelling). Cow's milk protein is large and cheese has a concentrated portion of this byproduct (aha…you can be addicted to food!!) Do you know if I am way out of line in my thinking…that their can be a distinct and significant correlation between food and mood. I wish I could talk to someone who really knows about this stuff or who might know of any recent research in this area. I am resistant to talking to most healthcare professionals I work around because they are so run-of-the-mill in their practices. They would rather deal with the usual 90% of the population, prescribe the usual medications, etc. I think you can appreciate what I am talking about. Are there any avenues you are aware of that could educate me more in this area? There are alot of positives in modifying my diet, but I really am at a loss as to what to do about my "drive" being so diminshed. Don't get me wrong, I work full time, interact daily with my family, and socialize. At one point in my life I thought I might be bipolar because my highs were so incredible…I am not convinced of that, however, especially now when everything seems so much more level…..

The fact you are utilizing this type of service tells me you think outside the box (smile). I will limit my ramblings now and await your response. I really do appreciate that this format as it allows me to put my thought processes down in writing. Thanks -
doctor
Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (15 hours later)
Brief Answer:
? Food allergies

Detailed Answer:
Good evening

Sorry for the late reply, was caught up in Hospital shifts

Well, firstly it is very inspiring how you decided not to retire and become a nurse and do good for the people even at the age of 55. Really nice

As for the food and the mood, there has been no direct co relation. But it is a well know fact, whatever we eat can trigger lot of processes in the body, Be it good or bad. There is a concept of Leaky junctions , that is the junctions in the intestine which allow the passage of certain food stuffs which can cause antigenic stimulation leading to a few autoimmune diseases.

Even in our daily practice, we do see patients who report getting better on stopping certain food products and the usual problems when they re start it. Gluten insensitivity is a rare thing to happen to you at that age but LActose intolerant can.

I would also recommend you get the Vitamin D Levels done once. The deficiency of Vitamin D can cause lot of fatigues, muscle aches, and joint pains but once corrected it can revert all these symptoms.

Dont go based on the allergic test you had, just figure out the food stuffs Yourself. It will give us a better insight.

Do let me know for more queries

Hope the information was useful

Regards
DR Naval
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Naval Mendiratta

Rheumatologist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 754 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Constant Clearing Of Throat, Itchy Skin And Mood Swings

Brief Answer: Multiple Allergies Detailed Answer: Good evening Thank you for writing on health care magic Well, firstly I would say the allergy test most labs carry out is hardly of any significance. They will end up pointing at a million things which you have been already living with through your life. Those are neither avoidable, nor it makes sense as you would not have experienced such symptoms through your life...like Dogs/cats.. At times, even cockroach dust they would point out. The symptoms you are describing are of allergy as you know as well. But this is what you have to narrow it down to what substances trigger the reaction. Dairy products can cause lot of allergic reactions , as one tends to lose Lactose levels as we grow old. It is very common and once you cut it, it all stops happening. What i would suggest is, make a diary of the things you feel caused the Hives..Either what you ate or when you go out to garden or any medications. At least , we would know what all things to be avoided. Secondly, you can always take a higher course of anti-allergics if you are getting these episodes frequently. But that would be 2nd line if the episodes keep happening despite avoiding the substances. I wont recommend any desensitization at this moment nor doctors visit :). hope the information was useful Do let me know for more queries REgards Dr NAval