Wheat Allergy

Wheat Allergy

Wheat allergy is among the most prevalent food allergies, occurring when your immune system reacts overly to the wheat you consume or inhale. While wheat is generally harmless for most individuals, those with a wheat allergy perceive it as a dangerous substance, similar to a virus or bacteria.

In severe cases, a wheat allergy can be life-threatening. So, if you experience serious symptoms like throat swelling, seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 or visiting the nearest ER.

How wheat allergy affects the body

A wheat allergy triggers an allergic reaction in your body, which is your immune system’s response to allergens. With a wheat allergy, the body may experience two types of reactions:

  • Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated reaction

When you consume or inhale wheat, your immune system produces immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which are specifically sensitive to wheat allergens. These reactions occur quickly, usually within minutes but sometimes up to four hours following exposure.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate treatment.

  • Non-Immunoglobulin E (Non-IgE)-mediated reaction

In this type of reaction, the immune system responds without involving IgE antibodies. These reactions are slower compared to IgE-mediated reactions, taking up to 48 hours to occur. Eosinophilic gastritis (EG) and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) are some of the possible responses. EoE leads to inflammation of the esophagus (tube connecting the mouth and stomach), while EG triggers stomach lining inflammation.

Symptoms of a Wheat Allergy

Symptoms of a wheat allergy can include:

  • Rash
  • Hives and swelling
  • Indigestion
  • Stomach cramps
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Sneezing
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Headache
  • Wheezing
  • Inflammation
  • Anaphylaxis

These symptoms can vary from one person to another and range from mild to severe.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis:

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
  • Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
  • Chest tightness
  • A sense of doom or dread
  • Hypotension (a drop in blood pressure) along with confusion or a weak pulse
  • Increased heart rhythm
  • Sudden weakness
  • Shock
  • Lightheadedness or fainting (syncope)
  • Hives or swelling, particularly of the tongue, face or throat
  • Wheezing
  • Persistent coughing
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea or vomiting

Causes

A wheat allergy occurs when your immune system becomes sensitized to wheat proteins and overreacts upon exposure. You may become allergic to any of these 4 groups of wheat proteins:

  • Albumin
  • Globulin
  • Gliadin
  • Gluten

Common sources of wheat proteins

While wheat proteins are most commonly found in bread, they can also be hidden in many foods and even non-food items like bath products, cosmetics, and play dough. Examples of foods that may contain wheat proteins are:

  • Breads and breadcrumbs
  • Cakes, cookies, and muffins
  • Breakfast cereals
  • Couscous
  • Pasta
  • Farina
  • Semolina
  • Crackers
  • Spelt
  • Soy sauce
  • Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
  • Meat products, like hot dogs
  • Dairy products, like ice cream
  • Gelatinized starch
  • Natural flavorings
  • Vegetable gum
  • Modified food starch

You are also likely to be allergic to other grains like oats, barley, or rye if you have a wheat allergy. However, unless you are allergic to these grains as well, a wheat-free diet is generally less limiting compared to a gluten-free diet.

Risk Factors

Factors likely to increase the possibility of developing a wheat allergy include:

  • Family history: If your mother or father has food allergies or other allergic conditions like asthma, you are at a higher risk of developing a wheat allergy or other food allergies.
  • Age: Wheat allergy is most prevalent in toddlers and babies due to their immature digestive and immune systems. While many kids outgrow this allergy by the age of 16, adults can also develop it. In adults, it usually results from cross-sensitivity to grass pollen.

Diagnosis

To diagnose a wheat allergy, your doctor will perform a physical examination and review your medical history. They may also recommend the following diagnostic tests or tools:

  • Skin test: Involves applying small drops of purified allergen extracts like wheat proteins and then pricking the skin surface on the upper back or forearm. After 15 minutes, the doctor checks for any allergic reaction signs, such as a red, itchy bump at the test site. The potential side effect of this test is itchiness and redness.
  • Blood test: If a skin test isn’t feasible due to a skin condition or medication interference, a blood test may be used. This test checks for specific allergy-causing antibodies (IgE) related to wheat proteins and other common allergens.
  • Elimination diet: Certain foods, especially common allergens, are removed from your diet under medical guidance. They are then gradually reintroduced, and symptoms are monitored to identify the possible allergen.
  • Food diary: The healthcare provider might ask you to track your meals, noting what you eat, when, and any symptoms that develop.
  • Food challenge testing: Under close medical supervision, you will consume small amounts of the suspected allergen, starting with a minimal dose and gradually increasing it. Your doctor will monitor for any allergic reactions during the process.

Treatment Options

The most effective treatment for a wheat allergy is avoiding exposure to wheat proteins. Since wheat is found in most prepared foods, it’s important to carefully read product labels to check for wheat ingredients.

Besides avoidance, other common treatment options include:

Medications:

  • Antihistamines: These can help relieve mild symptoms of a wheat allergy. They may be taken following exposure to manage reaction and ease discomfort. Consult your doctor to determine whether a prescription or nonprescription antihistamine is suitable for you.
  • Epinephrine: This is the emergency solution for anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. If you’re at risk of life-threatening symptoms, your doctor may recommend carrying two injectable dosages of epinephrine (e.g., EpiPen, Adrenaclick). A second dose is suggested for those who are at high risk, as anaphylaxis symptoms may come back before emergency care is given.

Emergency care:

If you experience an anaphylactic reaction to wheat despite using epinephrine, it’s important to seek immediate emergency medical treatment. Dial 911 or your local emergency services number right away for prompt care.

Preventing Wheat Allergy

Wheat allergy reactions can be effectively prevented by completely avoiding wheat-containing ingredients in both food and non-food products. It’s also important to always read the ingredient labels of packaged foods for wheat. If you’re uncertain whether a product has wheat, it’s safest to stay away until the manufacturer confirms.

Conclusion

A wheat allergy is a food allergy in which your immune system reacts by mistake to wheat as if it were a harmful substance. This allergic response can lead to symptoms such as hives, diarrhea, indigestion, stomach cramps, and anaphylaxis in severe cases. Being unsure of the reason for your symptoms can be frustrating. Hence, it’s always important to consult your healthcare provider for assistance. They can perform tests to diagnose a wheat allergy, prescribe appropriate medications, and refer you to a dietitian to guide you in choosing the right foods and drinks.

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