Gastrocrom stabilizes the mast cells so they don't react as much to triggers.  It addresses basic cause, and that is a trigger stimulating the cells to degranulate, better than an antihistamine.  When mast cells degranulate, they release histamine, which then attaches to receptors (called H1, H2, H3, and H4).  Antihistamines, now available for H1 and H2 receptors, attach to those histamine receptors and keep the histamine from doing the same.  Gastrocrom keeps the histamine from being released in the first place.

What you said about different explanations on different sites is true.  It's best to consider first the source and the expertise of the writer.  There are very many misconceptions about MC disease out there, even among scientists and so-called "experts."

Hello!  I'm a newbie and a total rookie when it comes to understanding m.c., Gustatory rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis, etc. In fact, I only came across the last two terms this afternoon.  A lister on the Trying_low_oxalates forum suggested that I look into m.c. disorders, so here I am.

I've been on a low-oxalate diet for about 6 months now, and have slowly lessened the burning and associated issues of V.V.P.  I'm grateful for that, but am super perplexed by a new problem.  For the past month I have had allergy-like symptoms (runny nose, watery eyes, occasional sneezing) that don't respond to antihistamine medication (e.g. Claritan) even when combined with a decongestant.

At first, the allergy symptoms would often be combined with a sudden onset of V.P. (burning).  Now it is primarily the nasal histamine release with less or just occasional burning.  I don't have trouble at night because the symptoms seem to come on shortly after eating meals or snacks.

I've been trying to eliminate foods high in histamines, but that doesn't seem to be the key.  I've never been an allergy-prone person, and was always been able to eat just about anything until I became lactose intolerant about 4 years ago.

My questions are these:  Why am I suddenly experiencing this disorder, and what is going on?  Did lowering oxalates in my diet somehow affect my mast cells and cause the release of histamines?  If so, what do I do to get relief and how long will this last?  Is this just a "dumping" (oxalate detox) symptom, or will I have to live with this indefinitely?  The sensitive food lists (acids, histamines, sals, etc.) haven't been all that helpful, to be honest, and I'm having a hard time identifying the triggers.  I shouldn't lose any more weight, but what can I eat or drink that isn't either too high oxalate, or a trigger for these symptoms?

I'd really appreciate any insights or help you can give.

Thanks,

Ann

Hi Ann,

  So sorry you're having these problems.  Have you been allergy tested, and if so, what came back positive?  Do you know about Atrovent nasal spray?  It's very helpful for gustatory rhinitis.  I don't know if it comes in other forms or not.

  Claritin is a relatively mild H1 antihistamine.  You might want to try a different one, such as Allegra or Zyrtec, and see if that helps.  Ask your doctor if one of those would be okay to take.  Also ask about H2 antihistamines, such as Pepcid or Zantac.  One of those might help.

  Be sure to read on this forum about how a mast cell disorder is diagnosed, and also about mast cell specialists who can rule a MC disorder in or out.  If you think this is what you have, then a mast cell specialist, or a good doctor who is willing to work with a MC specialist,  is usually needed to confirm or disprove the diagnosis.

  Do you have any other symptoms and are you on any other meds?

If I were in your situation, I'd see an allergist for testing.  True IgE allergies are one thing to rule out before a mast cell diagnosis is considered.  Atrovent nasal spray is Rx only.  An allergist can also prescribe other sprays, too.  Another one that could be helpful is Nasalcrom, a mast cell stabilizer for the nose.  There are also antihistamine nasal sprays, such as Astelin (comes in generic, Azelastine) and steroid nasal sprays that are not absorbed systemically to a great degree.

It sounds as though you believe your symptoms might be caused by certain foods or food groups, and an allergist can advise you on elimination diets that might be helpful.  A nutritionist might be able to help, too.  For example, if you tested positive to certain pollens, you might need to avoid some foods that cross-react.

Unfortunately, figuring out food triggers is mostly a process of trial and error if it's not a true allergen.  You should be able to eat a variety of healthy foods, even on a low-oxalate, low histamine diet.  I briefly looked at a low oxalate food list, and there were only a few foods/drinks that would not be recommended on a low histamine diet.  Still, these are only 2 of the many possible elimination diets you can try.  When my daughter was having problems, we cut her back to lamb, rice, pears, and yellow vegetables for 10 days, and then started adding foods, one at a time, every other day.  It was obvious when we found what was causing her problems, so we eliminated those foods permanently.  Starflower posted Dr. Castells' elimination diet, which she found helpful.

It's also important to rotate your diet.  Eating only a few foods can be a problem, as having them every day can sometimes cause sensitivities to surface.  Dietary deficiencies can develop, too, which can cause more symptoms.

If you're negative to all allergens, food and environmental, then you might want to pursue some other things, like mast cell disorders.  I have a mast cell disorder and IgE allergies, and there are times when I get  gustatory rhinitis.  The Atrovent and eating a "gentler" diet usually takes care of the problem within a day or two.

I hope you can figure this out soon!

I second that!  My experience (as a mast cell patient) with skin prick testing is that it's also very unreliable... not to mention dangerous if you're already taking antihistamines on a daily basis.  For the test to be "accurate" you would have to stop taking antihistamines several days in advance (don't do it!!!).  I've definitely received more useful information from RAST (blood) testing.

By the way... I also have gustatory rhinitis, but as I recall it's not mast-cell related and has  nothing to do with the specific foods you're eating.  It's just your upper GI system overreacting to the mechanical action of eating.  Medscape says it's a type of "non-allergic" rhinitis:

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/874171-overview#aw2aab6b3

Bongaan - in response to your original post, I wouldn't worry to much about this particular symptom.  Just carry tissues

Heather

Thank you all for your feedback and advice.  I hope to schedule an appt. with an allergist soon.  Ann M.  

ann:
For the nasal mast cell issue. Before you go the rx way & not to say you may need to go that way,  Nasalcrom, which is basically gastrcrom in a nasal spray, is an OTC med. I use it when I get a sinus headache or sinus pressure with good results. There is a ketotifen version OTC as well but I haven't been able to find it at the pharmacies that I go to.
mikev