Wheat allergy and its effects

Wheat allergy is one of the most common forms of food allergy that is caused as a result of an immune response against one or two of the proteins present in wheat. Other than through food consumption, wheat allergy is also seen among those people who are exposed to wheat due to their occupation. Such occupational wheat exposure has also been found to trigger wheat allergy among certain people.

There are many different types of wheat allergy that are caused by the different proteins present in wheat. There are 4 different proteins that are present in wheat- Albumin, Globulin, Gliadins and Gluten. Gliadins cause a more severe form of wheat allergy than other proteins. However glutens present in wheat are the most common causes of wheat allergies.

Exposure to wheat at work also causes wheat allergy and this is seen most often in bakers as they handle a large amount of wheat. This type of allergy among bakers is called bakers asthma as it is caused due to inhalation of wheat. There is no consumption of wheat in this form of allergy and the inhalation of wheat is the cause of allergy. The symptom of this form of allergy is difficulty in breathing.

Certain people may not be allergic to wheat proteins as such but may be allergic to certain wheat derivatives. These wheat derivatives, when present in preservatives and certain common food like ice cream, trigger an immune response. Therefore it is essential to read the content of each food product before opting to buy it. Sometimes some food manufacturers change their recipes and the changed recipe might contain wheat or wheat derivates. The content list of each food product should be thoroughly checked before it is purchased each time to avoid wheat allergy.

Wheat allergy is usually seen among infants and toddlers especially in those who exhibit other forms of food allergy. Such children exhibit wheat allergy symptoms on consumption of wheat or wheat products. Most children generally grow out of this form of allergy and this occurs between the ages of three and five. Very few adults and adolescents have reported being affected with wheat allergy. Children of parents who have had wheat allergy are more susceptible to acquiring this form of allergy.

Wheat allergy symptoms usually exhibit themselves within a few minutes to a few hours of consumption of wheat or wheat products. Wheat allergy symptoms include an upset stomach, hives, eczema, asthma, swelling, nasal congestion and in extreme cases it might even lead to anaphylaxis. Wheat allergy is normally associated with an itchy face that is swollen. It is therefore essential to safeguard oneself from this form of allergy. Medical treatment is required to treat the allergic reaction that is a part of wheat allergy, though complete avoidance of wheat and wheat products from one's diet is the best method of safeguarding oneself from the diet.

People with wheat allergies may show cross reaction for other food grains like barley, rye and oats. These grains have proteins similar to wheat and hence are capable of causing a similar allergic reaction and therefore should be avoided along with wheat.

Another form of wheat allergy that has been found to occur is wheat allergy that is caused due to exercise. The changes in the body as a result of exercise might result in an allergic reaction to wheat or might even change the body's immune response leading to anaphylactic shock. Such a situation occurs when a susceptible person exercises within a few hours of consuming wheat. Such people, in whom wheat allergy is caused or accelerated due to exercise, are also susceptible to a similar situation when they consume aspirin within a few hours of eating wheat. This may be due to the fact that exercise and aspirin lead to an allergic reaction to wheat using biological mechanisms that are similar.

Wheat gluten allergy, which is one of the most common forms of wheat allergy, can be avoided to a large extent by completely avoiding food that contains wheat gluten. Though this may pose a problem while eating out, a large amount of awareness has been created in this regard which has permitted many restaurants and eateries to serve food that is wheat or gluten free. Many processed food too are available free of gluten and this information should be printed on the label. This would aid in choosing the right kind of food without worry of acquiring wheat allergy.

Those who have been diagnosed with wheat allergy should consult with the doctor about carrying medications that can be used in case of an anaphylactic shock. Those who suffer from asthma as a result of this form of allergy would need to carry a rescue inhaler in case of emergencies.

Wheat allergies need to be carefully avoided by being strict with one's diet and not allowing ingestion of wheat. However, certain other routes of entry of wheat include arts and crafts material that may contain wheat.

Wheat allergy should be carefully diagnosed so that proper treatment can be provided.

Continue to: Causes of Allergies