I haven't dealt with food allergies exactly but as I age find I have a sensitivity to certain foods, particularly cinnamon which breaks my heart because I love it. Unless it's a miniscule amount (in which case why bother!) it causes severe heartburn for me and that's something I have very rarely.

What you are describing with breath catching in your throat sounds like an over production of mucus which is one of the common reactions to dairy. Whether that's true allergy or not I have no idea. Still waiting on the mail for my dang medical degree so I could tell you for sure ;-) It seems we reach for that 'allergy' designation when often that's not the case. I think things can disagree with you for many reasons and obviously avoid them if they make you feel unwell.

Also check medications. Long ago I was taking something everyday and doing fine. Then it went generic and the capsule color changed. I was allergic to the new formulation's red food dye.

I developed a life threatening allergy to peanuts and aspirin in my 20's. What you describe could also be due to silent reflux which may happen with certain foods vs an allergy to a specific food. Let us know what you find out. Note, skin tests are not necessarily accurate for food allergy testing.

We discovered that our son, who was a teenager at the time, had developed eosinophilic esophagitis, as his throat constricted every time he had pizza with extra cheese. It is basically an allergic reaction to certain food triggers. He was referred to a gastroenterologist to diagnose and treat it, He had to use a steroid inhalent for a while, and hasn’t had a problem of that degree, in decades.

Our grandson developed the same as @jb1586 describes when he was 9. He really struggled with it and had a lot of tests , inhalant also . No sign of it now at 10.

Gosh, jb and Trrail, that sounds so much like my symptoms, but when I googled it, I really don't have the other symptoms, like food getting stuck in my throat, or, heaven forbid, weight loss. My appointment isn't until 4/8, but I will definitely ask about it.

Thanks!

Dairy and being woken up “catching your breath” sounds like silent reflux. Basically gastric juices backing up into your throat. Happens to me if I consume dairy in the evening!

If it's the reflux, why not try the OTC versions of the previously Rx only meds. I take Previcid, and the Rx is (I think) 30 mg and the OTC is 15. I take two of the OTC. Try before bed. It won't hurt and you may find that it helps.

ETA: lactose problems are worse as we get older, too.

I grew up with severe food allergies that began in Jr. High. I out grew most of them and I find if I eat something along with the allergic food I'm Okay. I haven't eaten a banana or raw pea by it's self in 40 years, but I can eat a banana on cereal, raw peas in sald.

When I had my hysterectomy I became allergic to penicillin. Just out of the blue my throat swelled and started itching.

Last year I think I became Lactose intolerant, and that really angers me because I love milk & now my Vit. D levels are low.

I used to be highly allergic to avocados but now I eat one every day!

I developed severe tree and moderate peanut allergies as an adult. My pollen, dust and cat allergies have gotten progressively worse as I age. There is a difference between intolerant, sensitive, and allergic. Blood test for allergens is common though not necessarily accurate. I am intolerant of dairy and the symptoms you describe are similar to mine. However, I am not allergic. I have reflux and some dairy products make it worse. I can eat pizza, but a pat of butter is a recipe for both gastric distress and coughing and choking. I take Prilosec and that helps.

@Oakley - I think both my hubby and I have become lactose intolerant or at least sensitive, in recent years.  We haven't bothered to get tested because it's not a major issue, but we have switched to lactose-free milk (and I blush to admit it) ice cream.  Things have definitely improved.  Give it a try.

I take a lactase tablet before my morning cereal or other milk-heavy dish. Really helps.

https://www.costco.com/kirkland-signature-fast-acting-lactase%2c-180-caplets.product.100096414.html

I did absolutely develop an allergy to shellfish when I was in my late 30's . I never ate it often but it was always a treat for eating out and I loved it. One time we went out with the family and every one shared dishes. That night I was very itchy but thought there might be a mosquito lurking (even though it was December that's what it felt like). The next day I could barely tolerate having clothign on my skin it was so itchy all over. It continued with no other symptoms but this insane itching and hives all over. I finally went to the doctor who said it was not chickenpox and asked what I had eaten. We assumed it was the shell fish ( the only seemingly allergic kind of food I had eaten). I then was tested and they said I was absolutely allergic to shellfish. (also dogs but I live with it).

As an aside, every year when i get my bloodwork done the eosiniphols (spelling??) are through the roof off the charts. Since I have no other symptoms, I haven't pursued it but I suspect having a dog might contribute. :)

I have never knowingly eaten it since, and I have never had any other reactions. Thankfully it was nothing internal.

I do wonder about the dairy allergy. My older daughter who loves cheese and cream as much as I do, has self diagnosed this and avoids it. She said when she does have some, she does get the drippy throat thing and feels very bloated.

A few years ago my DH‘s throat started getting itchy and tight when he eats avocados, so he is not eating them. My son has the same problem with goat and sheep cheeses. I developed an intolerance for dried items such as dried apricots, and beef jerkey in my late 20’s. . I think it is the sulfates but I have not been tested.

Salonva, One of my best friends had the same sudden issue with shell fish in her 30’s. She ended up in the ER after a meal that included shrimp. An hour or two after dinner she had difficulty breathing and her lips were swollen and blueish. So scary.

DIL just told me that after eating avocados by the dozens since he was an infant DGS at 10 is exhibiting the above signs when he eats them! This is new… jeez

My son developed a celery allergy in his late teens. It's a tricky one because celery seed or celery oil is often used in condiments. His allergy results in hives all over his body and gastric emptying but has never developed anaphylactic symptoms. On the rare occasion he starts developing symptoms, a Benadryl (and sleep) seems to take care of it, although the gastric emptying probably helps too.

Trail, that’s distressing about your DGS. At least you all know what it probably is, and how to treat it. Our son’s issues seemed limited to cheese.

I have never had any severe food allergies, but right after the pandemic started I developed sensitivities which cause some rather severe gastric issues. It turned out I likely had warning signs for several years and didnt recognize they could become worse. They are almost 100% triggered by food sensitivities so I had to watch consumption of some of my favorite foods such as tomatoes, onions, potatoes (all nightshades basically), and some others which I learned affected me (eggs for one, but not if they were baked in something). The daily gut issue stopped as quickly as it onset one day, but it could start up again.

I also developed a mild allergy to dust mites so have to keep vigilant on that one. No rugs in our bedroom and all bedding has to be washable. Or i run the top quilt thru a hot dryer cycle on occasion.

Good luck figuring yours out, jo.

Thanks Jo. Yes when asked about any allergies I always say both iodine and shellfish.

I am fine being around it, people can eat it next to me and I don't react at all. I got tested a while ago hoping that maybe I was no longer allergic but too bad so sad for me I am still allergic. Those posts about shrimp scampi get my mouth watering. Not fair.

I was wondering about reflux as well. Cheese & dairy can be hard to digest, and reflux can cause symptoms in the throat.