Gastrointestinal Issues: Allergies and Sinusitis Connection

Gastrointestinal issues

Hello Doctor, two weeks ago I had my wisdom teeth extracted, and the dentist mentioned that I might develop sinusitis because the wisdom teeth are located close to the sinuses.
A few days later, I started experiencing nasal congestion, eye allergies, nasal allergies, and skin allergies (the skin issue is not severe).
Recently, for the past three days, I've been having abdominal pain (my stomach also makes noises), and after the pain, I have diarrhea, possibly 2-3 times a day.
Sometimes the stool floats on the surface, and sometimes it sinks to the bottom in a thin, short shape.
I researched and found that it might be related to gas in the gastrointestinal tract.
I would like to know if this could be related to my allergies or if it is connected to the sinusitis.
Are these two issues separate, and should I first see an ENT specialist before consulting a gastroenterologist? Thank you for your help!

En, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/02/24

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Based on your description, the respiratory symptoms may be indicative of an upper respiratory infection (commonly known as a cold) or allergies.
This aspect should not have a direct correlation with gastrointestinal bloating; however, there may be an indirect relationship.
For instance, some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort as a side effect of cold or allergy medications, or some people may present respiratory infection symptoms through gastrointestinal manifestations.
It is advisable to first consult an otolaryngologist and then, depending on the symptoms, consider seeing a gastroenterologist.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2020/02/24

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a complex interplay of symptoms that may be related to both gastrointestinal issues and allergic reactions. Let's break down your concerns and explore the potential connections between your symptoms, allergies, and sinusitis.

Firstly, your recent dental procedure, particularly the extraction of your wisdom teeth, could indeed have implications for your sinuses. The proximity of the wisdom teeth to the maxillary sinus can sometimes lead to complications such as sinusitis, especially if there was any trauma or infection during the extraction. Symptoms of sinusitis can include nasal congestion, facial pain, and pressure, which you seem to be experiencing with your nasal congestion and eye allergies.

Now, regarding your gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain and diarrhea, these could be influenced by several factors. Allergies can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms in some individuals, particularly if you have food allergies or sensitivities. Allergic reactions can cause inflammation in the body, which may affect the gut and lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.

The type of stool you described—some floating and some sinking—can also provide clues. Floating stools may indicate malabsorption, which can occur if your body is not properly digesting fats. This could be related to dietary changes, stress, or even the inflammation caused by allergies. On the other hand, the presence of diarrhea could suggest an underlying gastrointestinal condition such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which can be exacerbated by stress and dietary factors.

In terms of the connection between your allergies, sinusitis, and gastrointestinal symptoms, it is possible that they are interrelated. Allergies can lead to inflammation throughout the body, including the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, sinusitis can sometimes lead to post-nasal drip, which can irritate the stomach and lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, it would be prudent to consult with both an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist and a gastroenterologist. The ENT can evaluate your sinus issues and determine if there is an infection or other underlying condition that needs to be addressed. Meanwhile, the gastroenterologist can assess your gastrointestinal symptoms, possibly conduct tests to rule out conditions like IBS, food intolerances, or infections, and provide appropriate treatment.

In the meantime, consider keeping a food diary to track any potential food triggers that may be contributing to your gastrointestinal symptoms. Also, managing your allergies with antihistamines or other allergy medications may help alleviate some of your symptoms.

In summary, while your gastrointestinal issues and allergies/sinusitis may seem separate, they could be interconnected. A comprehensive evaluation by specialists in both fields will help clarify the situation and guide you toward effective treatment. Remember to communicate all your symptoms clearly to your healthcare providers to ensure a thorough assessment.

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