Whole body allergic(??) reaction to who knows what??!!

[Katie928]

On 2 seperate occasions happening about 6 years apart, one being very recent, I will get immediate nasal congestion....then runny, then my eyes itch and get red, my face swells, then I get a mini-asthma attack, hard time breathing, then it travels to my stomach with pains, then a pasty dark diarreaha.  In an instant---it all dissapates after my bowel movement.  It is as if a poison is running thru my body.  

Does this sound like a food allergy, environmental,...does it happen to others so severe?  It would help if I could pin-point what I ate different that may have given me reactions: however, on the first occasion, it was a combination of blueberry muffins and donuts from a local shop....which I have eaten a bazillon times before and since with no reactions!

  Second time, we were vacationing at our camp, and I pig out on tons of food all day along with cocktails(what else is there to do at the beach??!!)....food that I have consumed in the past and since(nothing new)....and i got the SAME exact reaction....like it runs through all my systems.  Just scared it will strike again and constrict breathing worse next time and trying to be very aware of what I eat prior to this reaction.  Has anyone ever experienced such a freakish full bodily thing?

The only thing I KNOW i'm allergic to is fish(not shellfish, crawfish, lobster and crabs) just fresh fish.  But that only makes throat swollen and itchy watery eyes, occasional hives when the fresh filet has ever touched my skin.....no bowel problems or weezing.  And, no, I was not anywhere near fish both times.

Thank you so much and I pray someone out there can relate and/or enlighten me one what's going on!!

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

We are glad to be able to help you. It is good to know that people out there actually get some benefit by a few words and sentences that we post here.

The symptoms you described earlier may have been allergic reaction to some substances. On the other hand, this could also be due to some toxins present in some foods and this reaction may be dysautonomia.

Remember, these are generally informed guesses which we make on the basis of what we read and derive from your post. A definite diagnosis can only be reached by a qualified doctor.

Wish you the best and keep us posted.

Best regards

[Katie928]

Thank so much for responding.  I am 34, female.  The answers to all of your questions are no....except i am suffering with a sinus infection now....with I really don't have that often.  I will definatly try to be more aware of substances i react to....and yes, an epi-pen is a must.

Will get a CT scan of my sinuses and lungs soon actually.

Will keep posted.

Thanks again for your help!

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

I need to ask you some questions before i can respond to your queries.

What is your age? Are you allergic to specific substances? Do you hear a whistling sound sometimes when breathing or a wheeze? Do you have mucus plugs or thick mucus in the early mornings?

Has a chest xray, CT scan of the sinuses and lung function testing been done?

Do you have any nasal symptoms or symptoms of sinusitis or GERD / reflux?

You would do best to avoid substances that you have known allergies to and also to keep antihistamine and antiallergic medications at hand in case of a sudden flare up of symptoms. You should also ask your doctor for an epi-pen.

Keep us posted so that we may be able to help you.

Regards.