Foods that trigger allergies commonly trigger sinus issues such as nasal congestion, sneezing and a runny nose. Some of the most common foods that trigger sinus allergies include tree nuts, dairy products, wheat and shellfish, according to KidsHealth. When someone with a food allergy eats a food he is allergic to, his body interprets the food proteins as harmful substances and attacks the proteins with antibodies. Avoiding foods that trigger allergies and sinus issues is the most effective way to manage common food allergies.
Tree Nuts
Tree nuts are all nuts that are grown on trees such as peanuts, almonds or walnuts. A tree nut allergy causes a release of histamine in the sinuses, leading to nasal congestion, discharge and excessive sneezing. Tree nuts may also cause hives, an inflammation of the skin that is extremely itchy. The use of nuts in any food product is required by the FDA to be disclosed on the product's label, according to the Food Allergy Initiative.
Dairy
Cow's milk consists of various proteins that trigger allergic reactions, affecting the sinuses. The most common cow's milk allergy is to whey, making up around 20 percent of milk. According to the Cleveland Clinic, someone with a dairy allergy is at risk of experiencing anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock is an all-body allergic reaction that can result in death. Someone with a severe dairy allergy should avoid all dairy products. Dairy products are also known for their mucus-producing properties and can increase nasal congestion.
Wheat
A common symptom of a wheat allergy is nasal congestion. A patient with a wheat allergy may be allergic to one or more proteins found in wheat. Other symptoms of a wheat allergy can include breathing difficulty, swollen lips, sinus pain, coughing and eye irritation. A wheat allergy is either treated with oral antihistamines or epinephrine injection, according to MayoClinic.com. Oral antihistamines are used to treat mild wheat allergies, causing sinus congestion while epinephrine is used during a severe allergic reaction affecting blood pressure and breathing.
Shellfish
A shellfish allergy commonly causes nasal congestion, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Shellfish include any fish that live in a shell such as lobster, shrimp or crab. A person with a shellfish allergy should not consume any food containing these types of seafood. MayoClinic.com recommends that someone with a shellfish allergy needs to wear a medical bracelet in case of a medical emergency.
