Wheat Allergy

People with a wheat allergy have an abnormal immune system response to at least one of the proteins that exist in wheat. It is one of the most common childhood food allergies, but may affect adults as well. The person with a wheat allergy has developed a specific antibody to a wheat protein, and sometimes more than one.

People with wheat allergies can respond with a variety of possible signs and symptoms, including breathing difficulties, nausea, hives, bloated stomach and an inability to focus. With some people the consumption of wheat and wheat products may result in anaphylaxis - a life-threatening allergic response.

The allergic reaction involves IgE (immunoglobulin) antibodies to at least one of the following proteins found in wheat:

• Albumin
• Globulin
• Gliadin
• Glutenin (gluten)

Most allergic reactions involve albumin and globulin. Allergy to gliadin and gluten are less common. Gluten allergy is often confused with Celiac disease or some other digestive disorders.

Some people have an allergic reaction when they inhale wheat flour, while others need to eat it in order to experience symptoms. An allergic reaction can occur within minutes or sometimes hours of either consuming or inhaling wheat.

What are the signs and symptoms of wheat allergy?

A symptom is something the patient feels and reports, while a sign is something other people, such as the doctor detect. For example, pain may be a symptom while a rash may be a sign. The most common signs and symptoms of a wheat allergy include:

• Allergic rhinitis - nasal congestion
• Anaphylaxis
• Asthma
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
• Diarrhea
• Mouth irritation and possible swelling
• Nausea
• Throat irritation and possible swelling
• Urticaria - hives, an itchy rash (possible swelling of the skin)
• Vomiting
• Watery and/or itchy eyes
• Bloated stomach

Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:

• Throat swells and becomes tight
• Chest tightness
• Chest pain
• More severe breathing difficulties
• Swallowing difficulties
• Skin becomes pale or bluish
• Weak pulse
• Hypotension - a serious drop in blood pressure

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency.