Sinus infections are not commonly associated with gluten consumption, but if you have an allergy to the protein, you may develop sinusitis. Sinusitis is not a direct symptom of a gluten allergy, but rather a secondary infection that results from consistent inflammation in the nasal passages. If you suspect that you have a sinus infection, make an appointment with your doctor for prevention and treatment options. Sinus infections left untreated can cause further medical complications.
Gluten Allergy
A gluten allergy may be more common than you think. Gluten is one of the primary proteins found in wheat that causes an allergic reaction in people with a wheat allergy, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Gluten is also commonly found in barley, oats and rye. If you’re allergic to gluten, your immune system overreacts when the protein enters the body. This hypersensitivity causes the release of immunoglobulin E antibodies that trigger the production of histamine. Histamine is the primary chemical that is responsible for most allergy symptoms. This chemical causes inflammation, increased mucus production and swelling in soft tissues.
Sinus Congestion
A result of histamine produced in the sinuses is nasal congestion. While many people believe that sinus congestion is a result of too much mucus, it is actually caused by swelling of the sinus passages. As soft tissues in the sinuses swell, they cut off your ability to breathe and drain mucus out of the nostrils. Along with inflammation, the mucus membranes that line the sinuses also produce more mucus. The combination of these two actions leads to sinus pressure, headaches and facial tenderness. The trapped mucus creates an optimal environment for the growth of bacteria.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis does not always develop from a gluten allergy but is a by-product of severe nasal congestion. Because symptoms of nasal congestion and a sinus infection are similar, you may need to talk with your doctor to confirm an infection. Mayo Clinic identifies common symptoms of a sinus infection as aching in your upper teeth, reduction in smell and taste, coughing, the presence of thick, yellowish discharge from the nose and down the back of the throat, ear pain, headaches, bad breath, fever and fatigue.
Treatment
If your health care provider confirms that you are allergic to gluten, you will need to implement a gluten-free diet with your doctor and registered dietitian. Most sinus infections are treated with antibiotics to kill the harmful bacteria. Antihistamines and decongestants may help alleviate sinus inflammation, causing proper drainage and the ability to breathe through the nose.
