HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Allergic Reaction To Certain Food Items After Bilateral Sympathectomy?

Hi, i had a bilateral sympathectomy in november last year, to stop my hands from sweating profusely. Since having this operation I have a strange reaction when eating certain foods, in particular, cheese, chocolate and other rich foods, As soon as the food is in my mouth I get an immediate flushing of the face, tingling and shivers throughout my whole body and then i start sweating on my face and back of my neck. Any idea why this happens? thank-you!
Tue, 2 May 2023
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,

Bilateral sympathectomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting or clamping the sympathetic nerves responsible for controlling sweating in the hands. However, the sympathetic nervous system also plays a role in regulating blood flow, heart rate, and digestion. The sympathectomy may have affected the function of these nerves, leading to an abnormal response to certain foods.

The symptoms you are experiencing after eating certain foods, such as flushing of the face, tingling, shivers, and sweating, suggest an allergic reaction. The sympathectomy may have altered your immune system's response to certain foods, leading to an allergic reaction. Alternatively, it could be a non-allergic food reaction, such as histamine intolerance, which can cause similar symptoms.

It is recommended that you see an allergist to determine the cause of your symptoms. They may perform allergy testing or recommend a food diary to identify any patterns between the foods you eat and your symptoms. In the meantime, it is important to avoid the foods that trigger your symptoms to prevent further reactions. If you experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Allergic Reaction To Certain Food Items After Bilateral Sympathectomy?

Hi, Bilateral sympathectomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting or clamping the sympathetic nerves responsible for controlling sweating in the hands. However, the sympathetic nervous system also plays a role in regulating blood flow, heart rate, and digestion. The sympathectomy may have affected the function of these nerves, leading to an abnormal response to certain foods. The symptoms you are experiencing after eating certain foods, such as flushing of the face, tingling, shivers, and sweating, suggest an allergic reaction. The sympathectomy may have altered your immune system s response to certain foods, leading to an allergic reaction. Alternatively, it could be a non-allergic food reaction, such as histamine intolerance, which can cause similar symptoms. It is recommended that you see an allergist to determine the cause of your symptoms. They may perform allergy testing or recommend a food diary to identify any patterns between the foods you eat and your symptoms. In the meantime, it is important to avoid the foods that trigger your symptoms to prevent further reactions. If you experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician