Let’s Talk About Allergies
Omega-5 Gliadin:
What You Need to Know
Ever felt fine after eating wheat… until you exercise?
If so, you might have Omega-5 gliadin allergy, a rare but serious condition also known as wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA).
What is Omega-5 Gliadin Allergy?
It’s a severe wheat allergy.
The reaction happens only when wheat is eaten before physical activity.
It can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.
What Causes It?
The trigger is a protein in wheat called Omega-5 gliadin.Z
On its own, your body might tolerate it.
But when combined with exercise, heat, or even aspirin or alcohol, the immune system goes into overdrive.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms usually begin during or shortly after exercise:
Itchy skin or hives
Flushing or warmth
Swelling (face, lips, throat)
Difficulty breathing
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness or fainting
In severe cases: anaphylactic shock
When Do Symptoms Appear?
Usually within 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating wheat and starting exercise.
Can also happen with other triggers like hot showers, stress, or NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen).
Who’s at Risk?
People with this allergy are often otherwise healthy.
It can develop at any age.
Sometimes confused with food intolerance or general exercise issues.
How is It Diagnosed?
See an allergist if you suspect WDEIA. They may:
Take a detailed history of your symptoms
Run blood tests or skin prick tests
Test for specific IgE antibodies to omega-5 gliadin
Diagnosis may require careful food-exercise testing under medical supervision.
How Do You Manage It?
Avoid Wheat Before Exercise
Most people must avoid wheat 4–6 hours before physical activity.
Carry an Epinephrine Auto-Injector
(e.g. EpiPen)
Always have it on hand when exercising—just in case.
Avoid Additional Triggers
Don’t drink alcohol, take NSAIDs, or get overheated after eating wheat.
Wear a Medical ID
A bracelet or card can alert others in emergencies.
Consider a Wheat-Free Diet
Some people choose to go completely wheat-free to stay safe.
Real Life Example
You eat a sandwich for lunch.
Three hours later, you go for a run.
Halfway through, you start feeling itchy, light-headed, and struggle to breathe.
That’s how quickly WDEIA can strike.
Final Thoughts
Omega-5 gliadin allergy is rare but serious.
If you have unexplained allergic reactions after working out, don’t ignore it.
Get tested.
Understand your triggers.
And always be prepared.
Your body is trying to tell you something—and listening could save your life.
I have had 5 episodes of Anaphalaxis and many hive reactions
Stress Allergy:
Understanding Stress Allergies
Feeling itchy, flushed, or short of breath when you’re under pressure?
It might not be “just stress”—you could be experiencing stress-induced allergy symptoms.
This is often called a “stress allergy” or stress-induced histamine response.
It’s not a traditional allergy, but it feels like one—and it’s very real.
What is a Stress Allergy?
It’s not a true allergy to stress.
Instead, stress triggers your body to release histamine, the same chemical involved in allergies.
That histamine can cause hives, itching, flushing, or even asthma symptoms.
Stress can also worsen existing allergies or skin conditions like eczema or hay fever.
What Are the Symptoms?
You might notice these during or after periods of emotional or physical stress:
Itchy skin or rash
Hives (red, raised, itchy bumps)
Flushing (red, warm face or chest)
Tingling or swelling (especially around lips or eyes)
Nasal congestion or sneezing
Worsening eczema or psoriasis
Difficulty breathing (especially in people with asthma)
Digestive upset or stomach cramps
Common Triggers
Work-related stress
School or exam pressure
Financial difficulties
Health anxiety or chronic illness
Overexercising or lack of rest
Poor sleep
Big life changes (bereavement, break-ups, moving house)
Weather changes (which already affect hay fever and asthma)
Real Examples
A student in London develops itchy hives before every exam.
A mum in Manchester notices eczema flare-ups during stressful school runs.
A retail worker in Birmingham experiences asthma attacks during hectic shifts.
How to Manage Stress Allergy Symptoms
Reduce Stress Trigger
Practise mindfulness or meditation (apps like Headspace or Calm)
Try breathing exercises (e.g. 4-7-8 method)
Get regular sleep and hydration
Say no to unnecessary commitments
Speak to a therapist or counsellor (NHS or private)
Use Allergy Relief
Antihistamines like loratadine or cetirizine
Cool compresses or calamine lotion for rashes and itching
Steroid creams (mild ones like hydrocortisone can help with flare-ups)
Asthma inhalers if stress worsens breathing—always carry your blue reliever
Track Your Symptoms
Use a diary or app to log when flare-ups happen
Note your stress levels, diet, sleep, and exposure to allergens
Patterns can help your GP understand what’s going on
See a Doctor
Especially if symptoms are frequent, severe, or affect your breathing
Ask your GP about stress-related allergy or referral to an allergy clinic
In the UK, you can also self-refer to IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies)
Can Stress Make Allergies Worse?
Yes—many people find their hay fever, asthma, or skin allergies are worse under stress.
Stress weakens your immune system, making it more reactive.
If you’re already sensitive to pollen, dust, pets, or foods, stress can make those reactions more intense.
Final Thoughts
Stress allergies may not show up on a test—but they’re real, uncomfortable, and disruptive.
They affect your skin, breathing, and overall wellbeing.
The good news? You can manage them by caring for both your mind and your body.
If in doubt, talk to your GP. You’re not overreacting. Your body’s simply asking for a break.
Birch Tree Allergy:
What to Avoid and How to Prevent Symptoms
If you sneeze, itch, or feel congested every spring, birch trees might be to blame.
Birch pollen is one of the most common triggers of seasonal allergies, especially in early spring.
What Is a Birch Tree Allergy?
It’s an allergic reaction to birch tree pollen.
Your immune system overreacts to pollen in the air.
This causes classic hay fever or allergic rhinitis symptoms.
It can also lead to oral allergy syndrome (OAS) due to cross-reactions with certain foods.
When Is Birch Pollen Season?
Late March to May in most areas.
Peak levels happen when birch trees bloom in early spring.
On dry, windy days, pollen spreads more easily.
Common Symptoms
Sneezing
Runny or blocked nose
Itchy, watery eyes
Itchy throat or ears
Fatigue
Cough or wheezing (in people with asthma)
Mouth or throat itching after eating certain fruits (OAS)
What to Avoid
Outdoor Exposure (During Pollen Season)
Avoid going out early in the morning or on windy days.
Stay indoors during peak pollen times (5am–10am).
Keep windows closed—at home and in the car.
Use air purifiers with HEPA filters.
Cross-Reactive Foods (Oral Allergy Syndrome)
Birch pollen shares proteins with certain fruits and vegetables. These may trigger mouth/throat itchiness:
Apples
Pears
Cherries
Plums
Peaches
Carrots
Celery
Hazelnuts
Almonds
Tip: Cooking or peeling these foods can reduce symptoms.
Prevention and Treatment
Antihistamines
Over-the-counter tablets like Loratadine, Cetirizine, or Fexofenadine
Helps control sneezing, itching, and runny nose
Nasal Sprays
Steroid nasal sprays (e.g., Fluticasone, Beclometasone)
Reduces inflammation and congestion
Best if started before pollen season
Eye Drops
Soothes red, itchy, watery eyes
Antihistamine or mast cell stabiliser drops
Pollen Tracker Apps
Use apps or websites to check daily pollen levels
Plan activities when pollen is low
Shower and Change Clothes
After being outside, wash off pollen from skin and hair
Keep outdoor clothes out of the bedroom
Allergen Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots or Tablets)
Helps your immune system build tolerance
Long-term option for people with severe symptoms
Quick Tips for Birch Pollen Season
Start taking allergy meds a few weeks before pollen season
Dry laundry indoors to avoid pollen sticking to fabrics
Rinse your nose with saline spray to flush out allergens
Wear sunglasses and a mask outside to limit exposure
Final Thoughts
Birch tree allergies can make spring miserable—but you don’t have to suffer.
With the right prevention, medication, and awareness of triggers, you can enjoy the season with fewer symptoms.
Know your allergy.
Plan ahead.
And breathe easier this spring.