Gluten is mostly known for its damaging effects if you have celiac disease, but if consuming gluten causes sinus drainage, you may have a minor allergy. Celiac disease and an allergy to gluten are commonly confused with one another because of similar digestive symptoms triggered by consuming gluten, according to MayoClinic.com. Sinus drainage is not a common symptom of celiac disease, but is a typical result of an allergic reaction. Consult your health-care provider for advice.
Gluten Sensitivity
The main difference between celiac disease and a gluten allergy is the cause. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in your digestive system that causes your body to attack itself when you consume gluten. The exact cause of this condition is unknown, and the only way to prevent symptoms is by implementing a gluten-free diet, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. If you are allergic to gluten, your immune system is hypersensitive to the protein, which will cause the body to produce various chemicals throughout the body after ingesting it. The release of these chemicals in the sinuses can cause a range of sinus problems.
Sinus Drainage
If you’re allergic to gluten, histamine is released in the sinus cavity, which causes increased blood flow to the nasal passages and increased mucus production. These two occurrences result in excessive mucus and inflammation in the sinuses. A common symptom of a gluten allergy is sinus congestion that is accompanied with a runny nose, post-nasal drip and sinus pressure pain. Any mucus that cannot drain properly through your nostrils will be expelled by dripping down the back of your throat, which is called postnasal drip. This can lead to bad breath, coughing and a sore throat, according to the American College of Otolaryngology.
Complications
If you have an allergy to gluten, you may develop further complications from ingesting gluten. Other symptoms associated with a food allergy include shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, cramping, skin rashes, hives, lightheadedness and dizziness. If you continue to eat gluten with a gluten allergy, you may develop sinusitis, an infection in the nasal passages. This is the result of trapped mucus that cannot escape from the sinuses. Bacteria can grow, complicating your symptoms.
Treatment
The only effective treatment for a gluten allergy that causes sinus drainage is a gluten-free diet. Purchase foods that are clearly labeled “gluten-free” and foods that are naturally gluten-free, such as fresh fruits, vegetables and meats. Sinus drainage may be treated with decongestants, antihistamines and pain relievers.
