Food allergies drastically change eating habits

September 11, 2012 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I recently underwent an endoscopy. My doctor wanted to check things out because I have acid reflux (which is currently under control with Protonix). From the biopsies taken, I was diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis. My doctor said this was caused by a food allergy and recommended test.

I went to an allergist and tested mildly positive to wheat, soy and oat. I have been advised to avoid these foods due to the long-term effects they will have on my esophagus, which apparently already has rings on it.

I am also hypothyroid (taking Synthroid) due to Hashimoto’s which, as you know, is an autoimmune disorder. I have been reading recently about a possible connection between allergies causing havoc with the immune system and Hashimoto’s. [Read more...]

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Food allergies linked to abdominal pain

December 22, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Your article about the undiagnosed stomach problems sounded exactly like my niece. She suffered for several years until she saw an allergist, who found that she had many food allergies. As long as she avoids those foods, she is pain-free.

DEAR READER: I received three other letters similar to yours. Two of those also mentioned H. Pylori, along with the food allergies and sensitivities.

H. Pylori is a common type of bacteria thought to be present in about half of the world’s population. Most people do not exhibit symptoms, nor do they experience any complications; however, for others, it can lead to potentially serious problems.
[Read more...]

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Mother helped by Gott column

February 4, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I enjoy your column and was excited to read about the National Eczema Association. All three of my children suffer with this condition as well as with food allergies and asthma. Often, their attacks coincide.
My 5-year-old daughter suffers the worst and is often treated cruelly because of it by other children. I was so happy to find a Web site to keep current on new treatments and possibly a support group to help all of us with the emotional effects this malady causes.
Eczema may not be fatal, but it is real and bothersome. Thank you for sharing the information. [Read more...]

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Food allergies may cause concern with scan dyes

February 3, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: In a past column, you addressed the problem of allergies and scan dyes. I would like to add some information in the hopes that it will help others avoid a problem.
I am allergic to shrimp. On my first trip to the hospital, I was asked if I were allergic to any medications. I wasn’t aware of any, but I did say I was allergic to shrimp. I thought the nurse would say I shouldn’t expect shrimp at the hospital and we would have a chuckle about it, but instead she said that it was “significant.” When I asked why, she told me that it had the same chemical makeup as intravenous dye and proceeded to give me a red bracelet and wrote down the allergy in red pen on my chart. [Read more...]

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