Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Why Am I Getting Sinus Drainage, Chest Tightness And Nausea After Eating Dairy Products?
Question: Whenever I eat dairy products I get a lot sinus drainage followed by chest tightness, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. I use an inhaler and/or Primatene to relieve symptoms. I'm concerned because the symptoms are getting worse.
Hello,
Welcome to Healthcare Magic and thank you for writing to us.
Your symptoms of rhinitis (sinus drainage), chest tightness, nausea and vomiting after eating dairy products would be consistent with milk allergy. However, it is very unusual to present at this age unless you have always had it all your life.
It is also possible that although you attribute it to the dairy products, you may have concomitant house dust mite or other aeroallergen sensitivity, and what you have is milk (lactose) intolerance that is more common.
Of course, you need to get blood tests done for IgE levels, specific IgE levels against aeroallergens, food mixes (with milk and nuts including wheat) to see if you have sensitivity to these allergens.
If tests are negative, you can opt for skin prick tests against foods to see if these are positive.
If the combination of both tests are negative, chances of IgE-mediated food allergy is low, and intolerance is high keeping in mind your symptoms.
The aeroallergens (with fungal allergens) will give an idea if the asthma is allergic, although it is likely given the history of hay fever.
If food allergy is proven then you need to avoid the trigger even in little quantities.
In patients with intolerance, they are able to eat or consume little amounts such as milk in tea or coffee but not a glass of milk.
I hope that was helpful.
Best Wishes.
Welcome to Healthcare Magic and thank you for writing to us.
Your symptoms of rhinitis (sinus drainage), chest tightness, nausea and vomiting after eating dairy products would be consistent with milk allergy. However, it is very unusual to present at this age unless you have always had it all your life.
It is also possible that although you attribute it to the dairy products, you may have concomitant house dust mite or other aeroallergen sensitivity, and what you have is milk (lactose) intolerance that is more common.
Of course, you need to get blood tests done for IgE levels, specific IgE levels against aeroallergens, food mixes (with milk and nuts including wheat) to see if you have sensitivity to these allergens.
If tests are negative, you can opt for skin prick tests against foods to see if these are positive.
If the combination of both tests are negative, chances of IgE-mediated food allergy is low, and intolerance is high keeping in mind your symptoms.
The aeroallergens (with fungal allergens) will give an idea if the asthma is allergic, although it is likely given the history of hay fever.
If food allergy is proven then you need to avoid the trigger even in little quantities.
In patients with intolerance, they are able to eat or consume little amounts such as milk in tea or coffee but not a glass of milk.
I hope that was helpful.
Best Wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dear Dr. XXXXXXX
Forgot to mention that the chest tightness can be quite severe, but, of course, the pain is relieved with the inhaler and/or Primatene.
Forgot to mention that the chest tightness can be quite severe, but, of course, the pain is relieved with the inhaler and/or Primatene.
Hello,
I am aware that Primatene Mist inhaler is the only inhaler that can be purchased in the US without a prescription (over-the-counter). However, this contains adrenaline in the form of mist and NOT recommended to be used for chest pains or asthma attacks.
I have prescribed this inhaler to patients only swelling attacks affecting the lip or tongue.
Therefore, you need (1) an extensive review of the asthma medications; and definitely should be on steroid inhalers (budesonide) if not combination inhalers such as Seroflo or symbicort; (2) fasting glucose, lipid profile, ECG, ECHO to assess your heart condition and if required have a GTN spray for chest pains but only after assessed by your doctor.
Please do NOT rely on the Primatene inhaler to sort out the type of pains you are having.
Best Wishes.
I am aware that Primatene Mist inhaler is the only inhaler that can be purchased in the US without a prescription (over-the-counter). However, this contains adrenaline in the form of mist and NOT recommended to be used for chest pains or asthma attacks.
I have prescribed this inhaler to patients only swelling attacks affecting the lip or tongue.
Therefore, you need (1) an extensive review of the asthma medications; and definitely should be on steroid inhalers (budesonide) if not combination inhalers such as Seroflo or symbicort; (2) fasting glucose, lipid profile, ECG, ECHO to assess your heart condition and if required have a GTN spray for chest pains but only after assessed by your doctor.
Please do NOT rely on the Primatene inhaler to sort out the type of pains you are having.
Best Wishes.
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
