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.
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:
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.
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 can include:
These symptoms can vary from one person to another and range from mild to severe.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
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:
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:
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.
Factors likely to increase the possibility of developing a wheat allergy include:
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:
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:
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.
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.
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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